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http://www.examiner.com/x-4129-LAOC-Theatre-Examiner~y2009m7d5-John-Barrymores-silent-movies-revived-on-DVD
Jordan Young
LA/OC Theatre Examiner
John Barrymore’s silent movies revived on DVD
Silent films, now more than ever, need champions who believe in their
special qualities, and continue to fight the good fight to keep them
alive. Along with Kevin Brownlow and Turner Classic Movies, Kino
International is a staunch advocate of the treasured art form, with
DVD box sets devoted to Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, Douglas
Fairbanks, D.W. Griffith, Fritz Lang and even Harry Houdini, among
others.
The John Barrymore Collection, which Kino releases this week, should
help restore the reputation of an actor whose legacy is in need of a
little shoring up. Long before he became known as Drew Barrymore’s
grandfather, the headliner of this four-film DVD box set was a famed
matinee idol of stage and screen, whose star shone as bright as any.
These films show “The Great Profile” in his prime, before he gained a
reputation in the ‘30s for boozing, off-camera antics and an inability
to remember dialogue.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde provides JB one of his best roles, a
performance that’s still pretty impressive today and downright
chilling in the finale. The 1920 color-tinted Paramount film is
enhanced by an excellent score, played by the Mont Alto Motion Picture
Orchestra; the feature is supplemented by Dr. Pyckle and Mr. Pride, an
hilarious short parody starring Stan Laurel (pre-dating his teaming
with Oliver Hardy), and other material.
The Beloved Rogue (1927), offering Barrymore as 15th century poet
Francois Villon, holds up nicely in a tinted version. JB’s flavorful
turn as the swashbuckling vagabond is handsomely abetted by William
Cameron Menzies’ lavish sets, Joe August’s photography, and a strong
supporting cast—notably Conrad Veidt as villainous King Louis XI,
Marceline Day, and comics Mack Swain and Slim Summerville.
The rarest title in the set, if not the strongest, is Goldwyn’s 1922
Sherlock Holmes, making its first-ever video appearance—courtesy of a
35mm restoration by George Eastman House. Barrymore delivers an
understated portrayal of Holmes in this long-lost film, which is
noteworthy for the screen debuts of both Roland Young (as Dr. Watson)
and a youthful William Powell. The Tempest (1928), an epic romance set
in Russia during the decline of the aristocracy, rounds out the
collection (suggested retail $59.95).
A complete catalogue of Kino titles is available by calling
800-562-3330.
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Bruce Calvert |
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