Having recently watched and reviewed MISS LULU BETT and being impressed with the job done by William C. de Mille (1878-1955), I went back and revisited THE SECRET GAME from this 2001 collection as it is the only other readily available film from Cecil B’s older brother (Cecil was born in 1881 and died in 1959).
Although clearly made as propaganda after America’s entry into World War I, THE SECRET GAME is a well made little espionage feature with solid performances from the principals in the cast. Top acting honors go to Sessue Hayakawa which is not surprising as this film was made as a star vehicle for him. He was at the height of his U.S. stardom at this time having created a sensation in brother Cecil’s THE CHEAT two years earlier. Veteran silent performer Charles Ogle (he was the monster in Edison’s 1910 version of FRANKENSTEIN) is fun to watch as the German agent Dr “Smith”. He chews the scenery but does it in a restrained and dignified manner. The direction of William C. de Mille can be described exactly the same way, restrained and dignifed especially when compared to his more famous sibling. This is probably due to the fact that William was an established playwright before becoming a film director and was more aware of the subtle nuances of performance and of letting the story tell itself. It’s a real shame that more of his films aren’t available as it’s fun and instructive to compare them with Cecil’s whose frequently over the top style would become forever associated with Old Hollywood.
Some interesting biographical trivia on the two romantic leads: Jack Holt had a long and successful career in silents and early talkies. His profile was the inspiration for DICK TRACY and he was the father of Tim Holt who played key roles in THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE and THE MAGNIFICENT AMBERSONS. Florence Vidor, who didn’t make it out of the silent era, was once married to directing legend King Vidor. It should also be noted that William was the father of noted choreographer Agnes de Mille. In addition to THE SECRET GAME, actual footage from the WWI era (FIGHTING THE WAR and THE LOG OF THE U-35) and a 1975 documentary THE MOVING PICTURE PICTURE BOYS IN THE GREAT WAR are also included on this DVD making it an ideal choice for silent film fans and/or social historians.
The Capsule Critic 