Once again Flicker Alley has done silent film fans a huge favor by compiling and releasing this DVD of two John Gilbert movies from different stages of his career. BARDELYS THE MAGNIFICENT dates from 1926 and reunites Gilbert with his THE BIG PARADE director, King Vidor. It’s a typical MGM picture of the day with lavish sets, smooth camerawork, and colorful supporting players. Gilbert, in an attempt to outdo Douglas Fairbanks, swashbuckles his way through this Rafael Sabatini story in grand style but Sabatini was no Dumas which is why I prefer MONTE CRISTO out of this set.
I have always loved this story of the unjustly accused Edmond Dantes getting his revenge on those who wronged him even if takes 20 years. It’s also great to see another “lost” Fox film turn up. While it lacks the polish of the later MGM effort (it was shot in 1922 when Gilbert was 25), the film contains an emotional resonance the other doesn’t have and Gilbert gives more of a performance here.
Both films were reconstructed from incomplete prints which some may find a distraction but we’re lucky to have these titles at all so a big round of thanks to everyone involved for making it possible. The Mount Alto Orchestra provides a fine score for BARDELYS (there’s an alternate piano score by Antonio Coppola) while Neal Kurz’s piano score for MONTE CRISTO is an absolute delight as well.
Rounding out the set are lots of supplements that include an audio essay for BARDELYS and a featurette REDISCOVERING JOHN GILBERT with Gilbert’s biographer (and daughter) Leatrice Gilbert Fountain who was then in her 80s. Like other Flicker Alley releases, this one is a must for silent film aficionados.
The Capsule Critic 