I have been wanting to see this film ever since reading about the filming of it in the great Loise Brooks biography by Barry Paris a few years ago. I finally saw it last night at the Silent Film Theater in Los Angeles. The train scenes (which were filmed just over the California Border in Mexico I believe) are even better than I'd hoped for. The sense of silent film making abord a steam driven freight train high in the mountains with minimal special effects and the grand scenery, sheer drops, and motion was great.
And, as another reviewer already noted, Brooks (Nancy) showed subtle but powerful acting while falling asleep inside the pile of hay. Those images are unforgettable for me.
But, it was the ending with Oklahoma Red (Beery) surprising everyone with his total surrender to save Nancy from the law that made the film. Jim (Arlen) tells Brooks as they later ride off safely into the Canadian sunset that Beery was "no good".
Jim and Nancy demonstrated the "Romeo and Julliet" selfish love of better to die together than give up one's self for the other. Oklahoma Red was the only one in the film who showed true selfless love. And he did it without asking for or expecting recognition.
And, as another reviewer already noted, Brooks (Nancy) showed subtle but powerful acting while falling asleep inside the pile of hay. Those images are unforgettable for me.
But, it was the ending with Oklahoma Red (Beery) surprising everyone with his total surrender to save Nancy from the law that made the film. Jim (Arlen) tells Brooks as they later ride off safely into the Canadian sunset that Beery was "no good".
Jim and Nancy demonstrated the "Romeo and Julliet" selfish love of better to die together than give up one's self for the other. Oklahoma Red was the only one in the film who showed true selfless love. And he did it without asking for or expecting recognition.