We basically have MCA to thank for the fact this film has almost been lost. It's one of hundreds of classic Paramount Pictures that were sold to the Universal TV distributor - who eventually relegated it to the vaults of no longer popular movies (they probably also did not renew the rights?). People write of seeing this movie on TV and finding it absolutely unforgettable (myself included.) It's one of those classic stories that examine how easy it is for a dedicated, small town family man to fall victim to a scam - set-up by a corrupt workmate and his band of very experienced big city con artists. What happens to Paul Kriza should be told as a warning to all todays unaware, overly trusting souls. This powerful story is as relevant today as it was back in 1925 and anyone who fails to be moved to tears by its final scenes has a cold, cold, heart indeed.
The style for its 1940 production date is reasonably quite effective today and anyone who has studied motion picture technique shouldn't find much trouble watching & enjoying this ageless story. Its B/W Cinematography by German-born veteran Theodor Sparkuhl is also splendid. Maybe TCM could locate the neg and treat us to a new print for their golden oldies - as they did with the marvellous 'Alias Nick Beal' - another classic title from this same near forgotten MCA /Paramount collection. It's also been claimed the screen story was penned by a German/American husband and wife screenwriting couple - who based it on the real life experiences of the husbands father. It seems this couple, overly trustingly, gave it to Emil Jannings who then appears to have perhaps been involved in its intellectual properties theft, and production, under another writer's name (talk about not learning a vital family lesson!).
The Jannings silent film version is now regarded as a lost film. This sound version is arguably director Louis King's finest screen achievement and recommended to all lovers of classic tragi-drama. The production values and cast are first rate - with Akim Tamiroff perhaps giving his finest screen performance. For the discerning viewer, this is quality vintage melodrama.
The style for its 1940 production date is reasonably quite effective today and anyone who has studied motion picture technique shouldn't find much trouble watching & enjoying this ageless story. Its B/W Cinematography by German-born veteran Theodor Sparkuhl is also splendid. Maybe TCM could locate the neg and treat us to a new print for their golden oldies - as they did with the marvellous 'Alias Nick Beal' - another classic title from this same near forgotten MCA /Paramount collection. It's also been claimed the screen story was penned by a German/American husband and wife screenwriting couple - who based it on the real life experiences of the husbands father. It seems this couple, overly trustingly, gave it to Emil Jannings who then appears to have perhaps been involved in its intellectual properties theft, and production, under another writer's name (talk about not learning a vital family lesson!).
The Jannings silent film version is now regarded as a lost film. This sound version is arguably director Louis King's finest screen achievement and recommended to all lovers of classic tragi-drama. The production values and cast are first rate - with Akim Tamiroff perhaps giving his finest screen performance. For the discerning viewer, this is quality vintage melodrama.