I have been so intrigued by the wonders of the early silent films. We forget that with the disadvantage of early technology, great stories were told. They also involved us in a way that later cinema could not. This is a marvelous story, even though it is heavy handed and moralistic. Yes, I agree that the Germans come across as stereotypes, leering and dangerous. But they were the pillagers and the imperialists here, and one can see how the director would portray them. There have to be heroes, so one needs worthy adversaries. Rudolph Valentino plays the profligate son of a rich Argentinian who dotes on him. When he dies, however, he is fair and the two families are split--one going to France, the other to Germany. Cultural mores are brought to the fore. Valentino's character, Julio, leads a life of excess, even stealing the wife of a man, though war makes any sort of future impossible. There is a sort of sage, a soothsayer who introduces Julio and the rest of us to the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. They, of course, flourish during the Great War. What transpires is great unhappiness and despair. Hell is on Earth in this film. The battle scenes are very good and the lack of a happy ending. Very worthwhile film.
Review of The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
