This movie is both weird and sad. Of course, Edgar Allen Poe's life was sad, so a few points come for some accuracy. But it's also interesting. It's neat to possibly learn some things about Poe's ancestry and background. For instance, I didn't know his parents were actors. Then there's the interpretation of his epic poem "The Raven", a poem so famous that a team in the National Football League based its mascot on it (The Baltimore Ravens). Henry B. Walthall plays Edgar Allen Poe. In a few shots, he reminds me of Charlie Chaplain. I'm sure he wasn't going for that look considering the story material. I think Essanay (and Charles Brabin) tried to tell the story of Poe, but it's just so darned sad. Still, it's interesting.
6 Reviews
Walthall's Poe
Cineanalyst31 August 2009
Warning: Spoilers
This early biographical film of Edgar Allen Poe (played by D.W. Griffith's former leading actor Henry B. Walthall), "The Raven", is a mixed bag of flaws, curiosities and merits. It's based on a play and takes plenty of liberties with the facts. The film concentrates on Poe's relationship with his cousin and wife Virginia and Poe's delusions, which become graver as he mourns the death of Virginia—culminating in Poe's life imitating art via an enactment of The Raven. The delusions and fantasies, which include a lot of double-exposure photography, are a welcome, if not at least curious, addition and are the most interesting story elements in the film. Other parts, such as the tracing of Poe's family tree at the beginning of the film and an apparently fictional rivalry between Poe and his unattractive chum for the affections of Virginia, would have been better left out. Making Poe's failed engagement to Helen Whitman a case of Poe mistaking her for the reincarnation of Virginia was also unwise; the same actress also plays both parts. The filmmakers should have substituted these elements with more focus on Poe's writing.
Film technique also varies from typical to inspired. There are some interesting framing positions for a few shots in addition to some silhouette shots. The best photographed scene seemed to be "The Raven", which includes dolly shots and a panning-tracking shot that follows Walthall's motions from medium close-up position.
Walthall is the film's main selling point, though. The role of Poe was very similar to the Poe-inspired character he had already played in D.W. Griffith's "The Avenging Conscience" (1914), which also included fantastical delusions. Walthall was on the top of his profession here, fresh from the lead role in the blockbuster "The Birth of a Nation", which made him one of the biggest movie stars for a time. His restrained, yet forceful performance in "The Raven" is another example that he was also one of the best screen actors at the time, and he carries this otherwise somewhat lacking and confused feature.
Film technique also varies from typical to inspired. There are some interesting framing positions for a few shots in addition to some silhouette shots. The best photographed scene seemed to be "The Raven", which includes dolly shots and a panning-tracking shot that follows Walthall's motions from medium close-up position.
Walthall is the film's main selling point, though. The role of Poe was very similar to the Poe-inspired character he had already played in D.W. Griffith's "The Avenging Conscience" (1914), which also included fantastical delusions. Walthall was on the top of his profession here, fresh from the lead role in the blockbuster "The Birth of a Nation", which made him one of the biggest movie stars for a time. His restrained, yet forceful performance in "The Raven" is another example that he was also one of the best screen actors at the time, and he carries this otherwise somewhat lacking and confused feature.
Very peculiar.
David-24016 October 1999
This is an odd little film, supposedly a biography of Edgar Allen Poe. With some striking fantasy visuals and a fine performance by Walthall, this is a very worthwhile and unique "art" film. Least successful is the attempted humour when Edgar and his pal compete for the affections of a maiden. Most successful is a recreation of the "Raven" poem. Some of the plot elements make no sense suggesting that the print I saw was incomplete, but as a tribute to Poe it is most effective.
Once Upon a Midnight Dreary
wes-connors30 October 2007
Henry B. Walthall was, by 1915, one of the most celebrated actors on the motion picture screen; when "The Raven" was released, his stock was very high; and, watching his performance as Edgar Allen Poe illustrates why. Working with Director Charles Brabin, Mr. Walthall literally becomes Poe. In the actor's introduction, a portrait of Poe is replaced a with a close-up of Walthall's characterization. From then on, you believe the actor is Edgar Allen Poe; judging from Poe's well-known images, there is a convenient resemblance, as well. I may always think of Poe as Walthall.
Warda Howard co-stars as the women in Poe's life: Virginia Clemm, Helen Whitman, and their fantasized poetic counterpart(s). Filmmakers decided Ms. Howard would play each of Poe's female interests; and, it was a wise artistic decision. Howard handles the difficult assignment well; I especially enjoyed her marvelous expressions as Walthall and his rotund chum Harry Dunkinson (as Tony) vie for her affection.
On with the motley -- this is a biography of Poe. Considering the usual sanitization of the genre, and the era released; it's exceptionally well done. Poe is characterized as a romantic writer, with a fondness for drink -- who would have guessed? The story events seem digested, but accurate. The Poem is referenced, and the ending foreshadowed, with several images during the movie; a favorite, the caged bird, in background, by a window. Brabin's use of several delirious superimposed visions are disturbingly well done, and effectively compliment the story. The highlight is the ending, when Mr. Walthall acts out Poe's expiration, while a reading of "The Raven" takes place on the title cards. Don't miss the bird!
Walthall had just been seen in the Poe-inspired "The Avenging Conscience" (1914), the nightmarish "Ghosts" (1915), and the epic "Birth of a Nation". His Poe credentials stretched way back to Griffith's "The Sealed Room" (1909). If Best Actor awards were given in 1915, Walthall would certainly have one. He is terrific - and, "The Raven" is a biography like no other.
********* The Raven (11/8/15) Charles Brabin ~ Henry B. Walthall, Warda Howard, Harry Dunkinson, Ernest Maupain
Warda Howard co-stars as the women in Poe's life: Virginia Clemm, Helen Whitman, and their fantasized poetic counterpart(s). Filmmakers decided Ms. Howard would play each of Poe's female interests; and, it was a wise artistic decision. Howard handles the difficult assignment well; I especially enjoyed her marvelous expressions as Walthall and his rotund chum Harry Dunkinson (as Tony) vie for her affection.
On with the motley -- this is a biography of Poe. Considering the usual sanitization of the genre, and the era released; it's exceptionally well done. Poe is characterized as a romantic writer, with a fondness for drink -- who would have guessed? The story events seem digested, but accurate. The Poem is referenced, and the ending foreshadowed, with several images during the movie; a favorite, the caged bird, in background, by a window. Brabin's use of several delirious superimposed visions are disturbingly well done, and effectively compliment the story. The highlight is the ending, when Mr. Walthall acts out Poe's expiration, while a reading of "The Raven" takes place on the title cards. Don't miss the bird!
Walthall had just been seen in the Poe-inspired "The Avenging Conscience" (1914), the nightmarish "Ghosts" (1915), and the epic "Birth of a Nation". His Poe credentials stretched way back to Griffith's "The Sealed Room" (1909). If Best Actor awards were given in 1915, Walthall would certainly have one. He is terrific - and, "The Raven" is a biography like no other.
********* The Raven (11/8/15) Charles Brabin ~ Henry B. Walthall, Warda Howard, Harry Dunkinson, Ernest Maupain
Terrible print, decent movie.
planktonrules19 November 2010
This is a tough silent film to watch, as the print is very, very washed out and occasionally skips. It's desperately in need of restoration--DESPERATELY. Oddly, however, despite there being no apparent attempt to fix the quality of the print, the film has a really nice musical score--surprising since the film otherwise looks a mess.
As for the film itself, despite the title, it is NOT recreation of the Edgar Allen Poe tale, but a biography of Poe's life. Only later is the story of the raven recreated within the biopic. While this film is inferior when compared to biographies made in the following decades, for 1915 it's actually quite nice--with a run-time of almost one hour in its original form (very long for the time), decent acting, nice use of double-exposures and excellent costumes. It is noteworthy in the acting department that the film stars Henry B. Walthall. While not a common name today, in his time he was one of the stage's and screen's preeminent actors and he starred in a ton of films during the silent and sound era--the most notably being D.W. Griffith's "Birth of a Nation". His performance was very nice and natural, though I should also praise the rest of the cast, as they acted quite realistically--especially compared to some of the wildly exaggerating done by many actors in their day. The only exceptions were the terribly overdone black actors in the film. Not only did they overdo it, but I suspect they were all white folks in black-face makeup. Some clearly were, but it was hard to tell about all since the print was THAT bad! Believe it or not, having white actors do this is films was very common at this time--though today it's bound to raise a few eyebrows!! My score of 7 takes into the account the craptastic print. Should a restoration occur and I see it, I'll be glad to consider adding a point or two for this.
As for the film itself, despite the title, it is NOT recreation of the Edgar Allen Poe tale, but a biography of Poe's life. Only later is the story of the raven recreated within the biopic. While this film is inferior when compared to biographies made in the following decades, for 1915 it's actually quite nice--with a run-time of almost one hour in its original form (very long for the time), decent acting, nice use of double-exposures and excellent costumes. It is noteworthy in the acting department that the film stars Henry B. Walthall. While not a common name today, in his time he was one of the stage's and screen's preeminent actors and he starred in a ton of films during the silent and sound era--the most notably being D.W. Griffith's "Birth of a Nation". His performance was very nice and natural, though I should also praise the rest of the cast, as they acted quite realistically--especially compared to some of the wildly exaggerating done by many actors in their day. The only exceptions were the terribly overdone black actors in the film. Not only did they overdo it, but I suspect they were all white folks in black-face makeup. Some clearly were, but it was hard to tell about all since the print was THAT bad! Believe it or not, having white actors do this is films was very common at this time--though today it's bound to raise a few eyebrows!! My score of 7 takes into the account the craptastic print. Should a restoration occur and I see it, I'll be glad to consider adding a point or two for this.
Good Silent
Michael_Elliott29 February 2008
Raven, The (1915)
*** (out of 4)
Three reeler about the life and career of Edgar Allan Poe (Griffith regular Henry B. Walthall). The actual story being told really isn't that interesting as it basically covers Poe not being able to sell his stories and of course the tragic event that would shape his life. There's one interesting scene where Poe goes into dept because he buys a slave that is being beaten by his owner. What really makes this thing worth viewing are the terrific special effects that are certainly some of the best I've seen from this period. There are many dream sequences that look superb and there's also a very nice sequence of The Raven being acted out. Walthall is also very good as Poe. Directed by Charles Brabin who would go on to direct The Mask of FuManchu.
*** (out of 4)
Three reeler about the life and career of Edgar Allan Poe (Griffith regular Henry B. Walthall). The actual story being told really isn't that interesting as it basically covers Poe not being able to sell his stories and of course the tragic event that would shape his life. There's one interesting scene where Poe goes into dept because he buys a slave that is being beaten by his owner. What really makes this thing worth viewing are the terrific special effects that are certainly some of the best I've seen from this period. There are many dream sequences that look superb and there's also a very nice sequence of The Raven being acted out. Walthall is also very good as Poe. Directed by Charles Brabin who would go on to direct The Mask of FuManchu.
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