Audience Member
I’m a huge fan of the 1952 remake of Scaramouche, but when I bought the digital version of that film for some reason I got this original silent film as well. It was interesting to see some of the different things that played into the film I love, because there are a number of similar story elements. This one has quite an epic adventure as it takes us on a journey through a great deal of the French Revolution, and ties our main character into that bit of history. The hero’s journey is easy to get invested in, because he is faced with a great deal of injustice. I did have some difficulty following the way the politics worked in the film, because they seemed to gloss over some key details, and it never felt like there were any rules or anyone enforcing them, but perhaps a history lesson would clear things up better for me. Where this movie falls short of the magic that they found in 1952 is in the comedy and action. This film is almost entirely serious, and it becomes difficult to see how Moreau is able to disguise himself among the acting troupe. He constantly reveals himself and makes himself known, so the whole idea of joining them feels pointless. Also, while it seems weird saying this about a performance in a silent film, I felt Ramon Novarro’s performance was a little flat in the lead role. Then there’s the magic of the sword fights that this movie failed to capture. Perhaps it’s the limitation of the time, but there’s nothing all that exciting in these fights, while 1952 Scaramouche is a swashbuckling adventure through-and-through. However, there’s an exciting twist in this story that actually managed to surprise me, and made it well worth watching. I’ll still always lean towards the remake, but this is a decent silent film for those who like them.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
08/25/20
Full Review
Audience Member
Outstanding silent melodrama. Ramon Novarro is a favorite.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
01/17/23
Full Review
dave j
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
(1923) Scaramouche
ADVENTURE/ DRAMA
Story takes place during the 1700's when a best friend gets killed by a wealthy heirchy seeking revenge or retribution to the person or the peoples' involved! Twists and turns galore which the only difference between this version and the more action wise 1952 version of the same name starring the physical Stewart Granger are the direction both films have made which're different. In this 1923 version, it delves to a more drama than action involving the casting of hundreds and hundreds whereas in the 1952 version the story centers between the duel between it's protagonist and the it's antagonist! Both are somewhat well made except that at times the story sometimes drags in this version that without the ending that it had, this movie would probably be an overall a bad experience!
3 out of 4
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
03/30/23
Full Review
Audience Member
I loved the 1952 version so much, I decided to check out the 1923 silent version. Well, I was a bit disappointed because while the 52 version followed Andre Moreau and the whole Scaramouche storyline involving his enemy the Marquis, this 23 version only followed that briefly. With this version, it tried to tell so many stories, it covered basically the entire French Revolution. It started with Moreau, then moved to Danton, then to Napoleon, then Lous XVI, and everything. The finale is pretty cool though, and the sets, costumes, and all the other technical aspects of the film are impressive, considering it was 1923, I can't help but give it some credit. But I was hoping it would be as entertaining as the later version.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
02/14/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Detailed sets and wonderful cinematography make this silent a gem. It's an elaborate costume romance/adventure set during the beginning of the French revolution. I've yet to see the 1952 remake but this silent stands well on its own.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/08/23
Full Review
Audience Member
This was my first experience with silent film and I loved it. The storyline keeps you so engaged in the scenes and the characters are lovely to watch. Definitely pick this up if you havn't yet!!!
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
02/07/23
Full Review
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