Love and revolution -- two concepts easily idealized.
This early epic beautifully encapsulates the devotion of a fortunate young couple -- a man and a woman who love each other despite their vastly different backgrounds. It also depicts the potential horrors of revolution -- when the aristocrats are overthrown and the mob takes over.
There are horrifying scenes in this film and deeply touching ones as well.
Lillian Gish is luminous as Henriette and Joseph Schildkraut is sublime as the Chevalier de Vaudrey, a man who is willing to give up everything for the woman he loves, including his life.
This film presages the musical version of "Les Miserables," giving the audience a deeply romantic personal story set against the backdrop of monumental societal change.
D.W. Griffith would have had a masterpiece here with more editing and tightening. It's History Made Simple but well worth the time.
This early epic beautifully encapsulates the devotion of a fortunate young couple -- a man and a woman who love each other despite their vastly different backgrounds. It also depicts the potential horrors of revolution -- when the aristocrats are overthrown and the mob takes over.
There are horrifying scenes in this film and deeply touching ones as well.
Lillian Gish is luminous as Henriette and Joseph Schildkraut is sublime as the Chevalier de Vaudrey, a man who is willing to give up everything for the woman he loves, including his life.
This film presages the musical version of "Les Miserables," giving the audience a deeply romantic personal story set against the backdrop of monumental societal change.
D.W. Griffith would have had a masterpiece here with more editing and tightening. It's History Made Simple but well worth the time.