The searing injustice, cruelty, and inhumanity of landlords, police, criminal laws, and the legal system; of a world in which being poor is a death sentence in addition to being an undeserved mark of shame; and of the callous prejudice that is thoughtlessly levied against anyone who falls prey to any of these through no fault of their own: such is the setting of 'Street angel,' a tale sadly timeless and universal. Dire as those underpinnings may be, however, the movie is filled with light comedy and minor action that stops just shy of being worthy of an "adventure" tag. Some stunts, some physical comedy, excellent production design and art direction - there's much to love about the film from the start, with swell consideration for costume design, hair and makeup, lighting, and other visual details rounding out the proverbial set pieces. Rich and spirited from the get-go, this is simply a lovely picture.
It's important and necessary to spotlight the terrific screenplay, with quietly captivating and dynamic scene writing and varied moods that ably keep one's attention. It's easy to become absorbed in the feature even as the tale is not unlike many others that have been told over the years, even stretching back into antiquity. The story is driven by compelling drama, with wonderful small flourishes to emphasize the heartbreak and woe that underscores it - and director Frank Borzage illustrates sharp intelligence in bringing the narrative to life. Every shot and scene seems oh so carefully calculated as they center the actors with precise intent, and only ever escalate the emotional weight at the heart of it all. All great credit to everyone who had a hand in the production, for 'Street angel' is positively thrumming with electric vitality.
Of course none of this would be possible without a strong cast, and this is a picture overflowing. All those in the supporting cast, even faces we only see in passing, are fabulous as they embrace their characters and let their animated countenances and body language further amplify the tremendous ardor on hand. Henry Armetta, Natalie Kingston, Guido Trento, and all others exhibit superb poise and help their roles to feel larger than they are. Renowned star Charles Farrell, more prominent as male lead Gino, showcases capable range and personality worthy of the many credits to his name. More than anyone else, however, Janet Gaynor is truly the centerpiece of 'Street angel.' Every small look in her eyes and slight gesture contains withering vigor and sorrow, an encapsulation in miniature of the exemplary acting skills she possessed that allowed her to effectively carry the feature all by herself. For her performance here alone there's no question Gaynor earned the first Academy Award for Best Actress, to say nothing of 'Sunrise' or '7th Heaven' - and this title is worth watching just for her.
Factor in marvelous use at a perfect narrative moment of a moving camera, and transitional institution of sounds into what is broadly a silent film, and in a few different ways this is kind of a landmark. If I had any criticism to level, it's that the movie is perhaps too gentle in repudiating the dangerous, destructive cultural norms and social values I first mentioned that lie at the core of the narrative. 'Street angel' walks a fine line between passively rejecting those ideas and outwardly upholding them, and it's a soft step that comes too close to "unwelcome" for my tastes. Still, the plot toes the line but does not cross it - and in any event, it's ultimately not so substantial as to heavily weigh on the brilliant value the title bears. This is so very well made in every way that matters most, from writing and direction to work behind the scenes and acting - with, once again, Janet Gaynor standing out above all. If mildly indelicate, far and away this is a grandly satisfying drama that holds up very well more than 90 years later. For anyone who appreciates older films, or at least who isn't put off by them, this earns a tall recommendation - 'Street angel' is well worth 100 minutes of your time!
It's important and necessary to spotlight the terrific screenplay, with quietly captivating and dynamic scene writing and varied moods that ably keep one's attention. It's easy to become absorbed in the feature even as the tale is not unlike many others that have been told over the years, even stretching back into antiquity. The story is driven by compelling drama, with wonderful small flourishes to emphasize the heartbreak and woe that underscores it - and director Frank Borzage illustrates sharp intelligence in bringing the narrative to life. Every shot and scene seems oh so carefully calculated as they center the actors with precise intent, and only ever escalate the emotional weight at the heart of it all. All great credit to everyone who had a hand in the production, for 'Street angel' is positively thrumming with electric vitality.
Of course none of this would be possible without a strong cast, and this is a picture overflowing. All those in the supporting cast, even faces we only see in passing, are fabulous as they embrace their characters and let their animated countenances and body language further amplify the tremendous ardor on hand. Henry Armetta, Natalie Kingston, Guido Trento, and all others exhibit superb poise and help their roles to feel larger than they are. Renowned star Charles Farrell, more prominent as male lead Gino, showcases capable range and personality worthy of the many credits to his name. More than anyone else, however, Janet Gaynor is truly the centerpiece of 'Street angel.' Every small look in her eyes and slight gesture contains withering vigor and sorrow, an encapsulation in miniature of the exemplary acting skills she possessed that allowed her to effectively carry the feature all by herself. For her performance here alone there's no question Gaynor earned the first Academy Award for Best Actress, to say nothing of 'Sunrise' or '7th Heaven' - and this title is worth watching just for her.
Factor in marvelous use at a perfect narrative moment of a moving camera, and transitional institution of sounds into what is broadly a silent film, and in a few different ways this is kind of a landmark. If I had any criticism to level, it's that the movie is perhaps too gentle in repudiating the dangerous, destructive cultural norms and social values I first mentioned that lie at the core of the narrative. 'Street angel' walks a fine line between passively rejecting those ideas and outwardly upholding them, and it's a soft step that comes too close to "unwelcome" for my tastes. Still, the plot toes the line but does not cross it - and in any event, it's ultimately not so substantial as to heavily weigh on the brilliant value the title bears. This is so very well made in every way that matters most, from writing and direction to work behind the scenes and acting - with, once again, Janet Gaynor standing out above all. If mildly indelicate, far and away this is a grandly satisfying drama that holds up very well more than 90 years later. For anyone who appreciates older films, or at least who isn't put off by them, this earns a tall recommendation - 'Street angel' is well worth 100 minutes of your time!