After much fanfare in Europe and a limited release in America, BEYOND THE ROCKS (1922) is now available on DVD. Had it featured no-name or forgotten silent era stars it wouldn’t have made much noise and would have disappeared quickly but with Valentino and Swanson on board you can clearly see the difference that a pair of Hollywood legends makes. Valentino, in particular, shows what a delicate and refined actor he could be when called on to do so. He does wonders with a character who is not given that much to do. Swanson gives it her best shot but her role differs little from her previous Cecil B. DeMille pictures and director Sam Wood doesn’t have the DeMille touch even though he had recently been his assistant.
While the stars are in good form, the top acting honor goes to little known British character actor Robert Bolder as Swanson’s husband who has one incredible scene near the end. The sets are lavish but not gaudy with some good location shooting and Swanson’s wardrobe is less ostentatious than usual. The photography doesn’t call undue attention to itself which helps us to focus on the uber-Romantic story from 1920s bestselling author Elinor Glyn who is best remembered today for Clara Bow’s IT! of a few years later. Clocking in at 81 minutes, the film doesn’t overstay its welcome although ROCKS is what would be known today as a “chick flick” so it won’t have the same appeal for most men.
The movie was thought lost for almost 80 years until its rediscovery in 2002. It’s nice to have it back especially in this restoration from the Netherlands Film Museum. There are a few rough spots and the color tints are sometimes a little too intense but the overall result is very impressive.. The short 1919 Mae Murray feature THE DELICIOUS LITTLE DEVIL (taken from a 16mm copy), which is included as a bonus, doesn’t do much for Valentino but it does show Murray off to good advantage especially in some very revealing costumes that are quite racy for the time. However the speed of the transfer is a little too fast. The real reason to buy this disc is Gloria Swanson’s 1955 recording about her life in the movies. Absolutely fascinating with sharp, witty and astute observations from someone who was actually there. A must for fans of the two stars and lovers of silent movies.
The Capsule Critic 