That phrase, so closely associated with Monty Python, makes for an apt description of this legendary 1922 German silent film which has been unavailable in America for many years. Made the same year as F.W. Murnau’s NOSFERATU and featuring many of the same performers, WARNING SHADOWS is like a combination of it and THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI. It also predates Murnau’s THE LAST LAUGH as a silent film without intertitles by a few years. The plot which concerns a mysterious stranger showing various people their potential futures (an idea Gloria Swanson would later use in THE LOVE OF SUNYA) is of secondary importance to the astonishing visuals created by the incredible use of light and shadows as well as closeups (remember there are no title cards) to tell the story of a Count who suspects his wife of infidelity.
This DVD version is taken from a composite print made of materials from France and America. It’s rather beat up in places but is leagues ahead of an old public domain VHS issued by Video Yesteryear several years ago. The color tints though effective are a trifle overdone but not to the detriment of the film and it’s a problem that can be easily corrected. Donald Sosin’s background score complements the action but is a bit underpowered for my taste. If you are at all into German silent cinema then WARNING SHADOWS is a must have. Early horror film aficionados will also revel in its grotesque imagery. Thanks to Kino and all the restorers involved in bringing this unique, influential film back to life and making it available on home video for lovers of silent film like myself.
The Capsule Critic 