Everyone knows E.A. Dupont's Variety (1925) even in Paramount's somewhat abbreviated USA version on a rather dark but quite watchable 7/10 Grapevine DVD. Karl Freund's astounding photography combined with the noirish script, Janning's powerful Boss Huller, Lya de Putti's sensual Bertha and Warwick Ward's spivy Artinelli - all molded into an atmosphere maelstrom by E.A. Dupont - make this one an absolutely rivetting must-see!
But I regard Dupont's Moulin Rouge (1928) as the better movie. It is also available from Grapevine in a 7/10 - no, make that an 8/10 DVD because it does have the original music and sound effects track plus the run-out music.
This one stars that absolutely gorgeous Russian, Olga Tschechowa, as the mother who quite puts her movie daughter, Australian actress, Eve Gray, in the shade.
If the movie is somewhat predictable in plot, it is always brilliantly off-beat in both its montage and directorial style, thanks to the charismatic genius of writer/producer/director (and no doubt supervising film editor) Dupont.
The musical interludes are an intrinsic part of the plot. Here they are breathtakingly realized right from the night-montage opening to the dramatic conclusion.
But I regard Dupont's Moulin Rouge (1928) as the better movie. It is also available from Grapevine in a 7/10 - no, make that an 8/10 DVD because it does have the original music and sound effects track plus the run-out music.
This one stars that absolutely gorgeous Russian, Olga Tschechowa, as the mother who quite puts her movie daughter, Australian actress, Eve Gray, in the shade.
If the movie is somewhat predictable in plot, it is always brilliantly off-beat in both its montage and directorial style, thanks to the charismatic genius of writer/producer/director (and no doubt supervising film editor) Dupont.
The musical interludes are an intrinsic part of the plot. Here they are breathtakingly realized right from the night-montage opening to the dramatic conclusion.