Copyright 16 November 1925 by John W. Considine Jr. An Art Finance Corporation production, released through United Artists. New York opening at the Mark Strand (in the presence of Mr Valentino himself): 8 November 1925. U.S. release: 8 November 1925. 7 reels. 6,755 feet. 75 minutes. Shooting title (and indeed release title in some countries): The BLACK EAGLE.
NOTES: Although it failed to reach the top of the popularity poll in the U.S./Canada (it still took excellent money), The Eagle was a sensational success in Europe and Australia.
COMMENT: Great fun. Aside from the artistic opulence of its sets and costumes, the flair of the players, the invigorating suspense of the script and the stylish elegance of direction and photography, what we all like about The Eagle is that it doesn't take itself too seriously. Valentino plays with just the right touches of agility, gallantry and self-deprecation. His light, graceful manner contrasts well with the more emphatic jollity of James Marcus' heavy, the self-preening immovability of Louise Dresser's implacable czarina, the suave servility of Albert Conti's captain, and above all the confident yet vulnerable innocence of Vilma Banky's heroine.
The basic story is the old Hollywood ploy of a what-she-didn't-know-was, but it's given a number of clever twists here by the screenwriter Hans Kraly (borrowed from Ernst Lubitsch); and these captivating turns, as stated above, are interpreted with deliciously subtle performances by Valentino and more especially, Miss Vilma Banky (borrowed from Sam Goldwyn). All in all, with its assured mixture of suspenseful action and light humor, involving drama and sensitive, storybook romance, - plus picturesquely creative sets by Cameron Menzies and period finery by Adrian, - The Eagle is an absolute joy.
AVAILABLE on DVD through Image. Quality rating: ten out of ten.
NOTES: Although it failed to reach the top of the popularity poll in the U.S./Canada (it still took excellent money), The Eagle was a sensational success in Europe and Australia.
COMMENT: Great fun. Aside from the artistic opulence of its sets and costumes, the flair of the players, the invigorating suspense of the script and the stylish elegance of direction and photography, what we all like about The Eagle is that it doesn't take itself too seriously. Valentino plays with just the right touches of agility, gallantry and self-deprecation. His light, graceful manner contrasts well with the more emphatic jollity of James Marcus' heavy, the self-preening immovability of Louise Dresser's implacable czarina, the suave servility of Albert Conti's captain, and above all the confident yet vulnerable innocence of Vilma Banky's heroine.
The basic story is the old Hollywood ploy of a what-she-didn't-know-was, but it's given a number of clever twists here by the screenwriter Hans Kraly (borrowed from Ernst Lubitsch); and these captivating turns, as stated above, are interpreted with deliciously subtle performances by Valentino and more especially, Miss Vilma Banky (borrowed from Sam Goldwyn). All in all, with its assured mixture of suspenseful action and light humor, involving drama and sensitive, storybook romance, - plus picturesquely creative sets by Cameron Menzies and period finery by Adrian, - The Eagle is an absolute joy.
AVAILABLE on DVD through Image. Quality rating: ten out of ten.