Live Score by Günter Buchwald & Frank Bockius
UK 1929, b&w, tinted & toned, 101 mins + short, Dir.: Arthur Robison. With: Lars Hanson, Lya de Putti, Warwick Ward
A technically and artistically sophisticated drama set in Dublin amongst members of a revolutionary party in the newly independent Ireland of 1922. The noir-ish story follows the fateful consequences of jealousy and betrayal when fiery Gypo ‘informs’ on his former comrade Francis, out of misguided suspicion over a girl.
With a German/American director, a Hungarian leading lady and a Swedish leading man the international nature of the production was typical of a period in filmmaking unencumbered by dialogue and exhibits hallmarks of a distinctively German style thanks to cinematography by Werner Brandes (‘Piccadilly’) and Lubitsch regular Theodor Sparkuhl.
The superior, silent version of this film, newly restored by the British Film Institute with live accompaniment from two of Germany’s and Britain’s greatest improvising musicians for silent film, will be screened.
Performing live: Günter Buchwald (violin) & Stephen Horne (piano & accordion)
Supported by the
British Film Institute.
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