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Reviews
Souls for Sale (1923)
A brilliant film from the heart
Here it is! Warner has opened up its archives and now you can request any of their classics and they will (hopefully) burn one for you. Souls For Sale is an obvious attempt by director Hughes to present Hollywood as a community of hardworking, hard working souls, after the disastrous Arbuckle scandal of 1921. Eleanor Boardman (looking incredible) is Remember Steddman,(SPOILERS COMING) who gets a break when Mae Busch suffers a broken leg. There is much to treasure in this film. Even Richard Dix gives his all as the love struck director. But I mustn't tell you too much. I find this to be a very moving film, particularly Ms Boardman's fine acting (esp. in her screen test). Numerous cameos by Zazu Pitts, Barbara Bedford et al. only enhance the authenticity. Lew Cody, in a well-drawn portrait of evil, is not totally bad, and he is in fact quite funny at times. Barbara La Marr and Aileen Pringle also lend their considerable talents. And I must mention the excellent crowd scenes, esp. in the fire near the end. All in all the characters are a realistic balance of plusses and minusses, giving fine ensemble performances, making this a film to be viewed and viewed again.
That Girl Montana (1921)
another gem from the past
Wow, Blanche Sweet could really act! This is a real gem of the imagined American west. Blanche is forced by her father into a life of crime, is rescued by a grateful Indian friend, lives with him (chastely) for a couple of years and attempts to reenter society. A "de-but" ball is arranged. Then "Dad" reappears and threatens to spoil everything. But "Tana" has won friends (and a potential lover). So refreshing to encounter a strong female presence in early film. Blanche sweet could be very tough, assertive, and simultaneously very lovely, and always the consummate actress. We are lucky to find this film among Grapevine Video's recent selections.