Scarlet Dawn (1932)

February, 1917. Returning to the German front after a sybaritic leave in Moscow, Russian officer Nikita Krasnoff and his brigade are met by the first troop revolts. In the growing anarchy ... See full summary »

Director:

William Dieterle

Writers:

Niven Busch (screen play), Erwin S. Gelsey (screen play),

Stars:

Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Nancy Carroll, Lilyan Tashman

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Douglas Fairbanks Jr.	...	Nikita Krasnoff
Nancy Carroll	...	Tanyusha
Lilyan Tashman	...	Vera Zimina
Guy Kibbee	...	Murphy
Sheila Terry	...	Marjorie

Storyline

February, 1917. Returning to the German front after a sybaritic leave in Moscow, Russian officer Nikita Krasnoff and his brigade are met by the first troop revolts. In the growing anarchy of the Revolution, Nikita finds himself isolated, and must make his risky way to Turkey in the unexpected company of his adoring (but virtuous) former servant Tanyusha. In Istanbul, Nikita and Tanyusha reach an understanding... but their happiness is threatened by the reappearance of Nikita's former mistress Vera, offering a false semblance of the old life.

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Plot Keywords:

servant | constantinople turkey | deportation | pearls | american abroad | 

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Genres:

Drama | History | Romance

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English German

Release Date:

12 November 1932 (USA)

Also Known As:

Revolt

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros

Technical Specs

Runtime:

57 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Although the onscreen credits list the writing source as a novel, no record of its publication has been found.

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Soundtracks

"Kunstlerleben (Artist's Life), Op.316"
(1867) (uncredited)
Written by Johann Strauß
Played as dance music by the orchestra in the hotel

User Reviews

So Bad It's Good

While I don't understand how in 1932 a movie could be made sympathizing with the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, I do understand that Scarlet Dawn is a pre-Code film. Like most movies made between 1928 and 1934 (six of the best years in moviemaking, if you ask me), the lighting, sets, and photography are flawless. The print that is on video has perfect sound and picture quality. The costumes are delightfully ornate. Doug Jr. as Nikita Krasnoff is perfect, probably because he was the only actor on the Warners lot in 1932 with enough sex appeal to get away with what he got away with in the movie (i.e. sexual harassment). Nancy Carroll is his faithful servant and, later on in the film, wife. Lilyan Tashman plays a gossipy, scheming, glamour-gal mistress. While Lil and Nan sort of steal the show, their talents are slightly wasted. It's Doug who really captivates throughout, and considering how absolutely luscious he looks, the already short movie (just under an hour) flies by effortlessly. Scarlet Dawn is underrated, but extremely interesting, and the vintage 1917 war footage is a cute touch.