An odd mix of harsh melodrama and bawdy comedy, this early silent from Raoul Walsh proudly wears the marks of masculine rivalry which the director would explore throughout his career. Two soldiers spar for the love of a woman until the grim realities of World War I change their fate. Featuring graphically terrifying battle sequences, the film gained much of its notoriety from the coarse interplay between Lowe and McLaglen, who were given free rein to improvise profanities which escaped the discretion of the silent-era Hollywood censors who only responded to printed obscenity.
Part of film series
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Treasures from the Harvard Film Archive: ...
The Little Match Girl
Directed by Jean Renoir, 1928
Live piano accompaniment by Peter FreisingerScreening on Film
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Treasures from the Harvard Film Archive: ...
Nana
Directed by Jean Renoir, 1926
Live piano accompaniment by Peter FreisingerLive Musical AccompanimentScreening on Film
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Treasures from the Harvard Film Archive: ...
Trailers, Trailers, Trailers
Introduced by Film Conservator Julie BuckScreening on Film
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Treasures from the Harvard Film Archive: ...
Sweet Smell of Success
Directed by Alexander Mackendrick, 1957
Screening on Film