Reviews (19)

INCREDIBLE FILM
I simply can't believe that this film was made in 1926. My god, it's so stunning, it's impossible to describe. Don't let it being a silent movie steer you away from it. The dialogue and action are more powerful than any actor's voice will ever be. Fred Niblo carved a marvelous film that is at times charming, so exciting, and so moving. It is so beautifully handled, especially in scenes involving Jesus Christ and his encounters with the film's hero, Judah Ben-Hur. Judah struggles to overcome his hardships of being a Jew in a land of Roman rulers, and to find the mother and sister that fate separated him from so long ago. He also seeks revenge on his boyhood friend Messala the Roman, and eventually does in the film's INCREDIBLY exciting chariot race sequence. Just as exciting is a scene that involves two ships in battle. This is a marvelous film, strongly recommendable. Do yourself a favor if you're a real film buff and see this great dramatic masterpiece at least once.

Film at its finest
I am stunned. I am not a fan of silent films, but caught this on PBS (the long version with color). It is simply one of the best films ever made.

Ramon Navarro had to have been one of the greatest actors ever. I have never seen him before, but the honesty he brings to every emotion is as modern as today's actors--if not more so. Especially the scene where he is on a death march in need of water, and his subsequent meeting with a water-giving Jesus, stands out for me. The chariot sequence is fine, and even the heavy-handed melodrama of the mother and sister is enjoyable. The silents are an interesting era, as this film is also given a sexual quality not seen in the Heston version. Here, look for a scene with a femme fatale as she tries to seduce the noble Judah Ben-Hur. Also, I was surprised to see just sitting there in the background of the roman galley slave scene, a naked man seemingly hanging dead. That entire scene, complete with pirates, is most impressive.

The sets, the use of color, the eerie Valley of The Lepers, and the great make-up, help to make this literally a film that has it all. Throw in a nasty Roman ex-friend, and our hero certainly has a lot to deal with--including raising a legion or two to invade Rome to save the life of Jesus (he obviously didn't).

DVD NOW!!!
Wouldn't it be neat if both editions of Ben Hur were availiable in a two pack or even a special edition with extras and compare/contrast commentaries on both? I think these studios are really missing the boat and missing a major moneymaking enterprise by not getting these silent classics out on dvd. I actually prefer this olderr edition. It moves along faster and seems like a greater accomplishment from a filmmaking pov. Both are brilliant, of course, and its just a matter of subtle differences.

Can't Be Topped
Absolutely one of the best films ever made with one of the best action sequences (the chariot race) in film history. Ben Hur is betrayed throughout the film by his supposed best friend and overcomes all odds to regain his humanity and with the help of Jesus, save his sister and mother.

Much superior to the Heston version
Wow! Even if you have little experience with silent movies, even if you erroneously believe that the 1959 Charlton Heston version of this movie surpasses all, you must see this film. It is a cinematic masterpiece, sumptuously photographed, faithful to Lew Wallace's novel and many scenes will quite simply knock your socks off.

Ramon Novarro is handsome, boyish and enchanting as Judah Ben-Hur. His performance is infinitely beyond anything Heston is capable of delivering. He plays Ben-Hur as the character was presented in the novel, devoid of ths histrionics, anger and over-acting which plagued the remake. Francis Bushman does overact and give an excessively bravuro performance as Mesalla, but he's not on screen as much as Stephen Boyd would be later on.

And what about the color sequences? Yes, there was actually color movies made in 1927, a fact I did not know. There are several color sequences which stun and fascinate. The chariot scene is epic and among the most stellar scenes ever shot in movie history; the same can be said for the galley scene, where the slaves sit three in a row and are rammed to death by Pirates on the high seas. Again, the 1959 version cannot hold a candle to this version in the epic, grand scenes.

Get this movie and cherish it. I've watched it three times in the past month and am amazed at its scope, depth and power. Beautiful masterpiece! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Douglas Fairbanks, the most famous of the Zorros, made this mix ofcomedy and derring-do reluctantly, as a change-of-pace from his modern-dress playboy roles. The Old California adventure fared so well at the box office it caused the athletic superstar to rethink his image and don period finery for his best later vehicles, including The Thief of Baghdad.

Here, Doug has a ball playing dual roles, as hopeless fop Don Diego and as masked caballero Zorro, sworn enemy of all oppressors. When he isn't dueling with the evil Capt. Ramon (Robert McKim) or rescuing peasants, Don Diego/Zorro courts the lovely Lolita (Marguerite de la Motte) with bad magic tricks and worse manners. In the end, when Lolita's family is jailed, our hero throws off his masquerade, whips out his rapier, and wins the leading lady's hand.

Full of fun plot twists, secret passageways, and Fairbanks's signature arms-akimbo bravado, this silent classic (with restored sepia interiors) became the model for all the Errol Flynn-Tyrone Power swashbucklers to come. --GlennLovell ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Loved it!!!
This is a great silent film and my first with Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. (I love his son - he's cool and looks a lot like Cary Elwes in Princess Bride). He is great in the part-daring and dashing about here and there as Zorro while yawning into his hankercheif like a 'fish' while a rich gentleman. (You'll note the story is very remniscent of the Scarlet Pimpernel.) The 'lines' are great, the acting very well done and a number of parts will have you chuckling (like when the girl slaps him not once, not twice, not thrice - and with both hands on either cheek!) I'll have to say that this is one of the most enjoyable silent films i've seen in a while. When I put it on, even my little sister came to watch it.

I loved this movie!
Last Thursday, I got "The Mark of Zorro", starring Douglas Fairbanks, Sr., and I have already seen it. I loved it!

I especially loved the way Fairbanks played the dual role of Don Diego Vega/Zorro. Don Diego's lifelessness was oftentimes amusing, and so were those magic tricks of his. And I loved seeing the practical jokes Zorro played on Sergeant Gonzales. Oh, and could Zorro ever woo Senorita Lolita Pulido!

The acting was probably very good for a 1920s movie (though quite frankly, this is the first time I really saw a silent film, so I don't have much to compare it to), though the performance of Marguerite de la Motte as Lolita, in particular, is slightly melodramatic at times. Still, it's a minor complaint, and it didn't keep me from loving the movie and from wanting to watch it often. END

One of the best of the silents.
The only silent film I have enjoyed as much as I enjoy the best of modern film is Buster Keaton's The General, but Douglas Fiarbanks' The Mark of Zorro holds up better than most silents. The original music by Jon C. Mirsalis adds a lot. The sequal, Don Q., Son of Zorro, is even better than "Mark", so be sure to buy the two films on one DVD from King Video.

Wierd
I saw this film last night on TCM. Silent movies are very odd. Douglas Fairbanks is impressive in his acrobatics and swordplay but does not look like Don Diego, who is said to be handsome in the original story. It is the basic traditional Zorro story, based directly on the original novel by Johnston McCulley. For my first silent movie, it was OK, but without sound it is hard to follow. All the original characters are here, all not as attractive as their parts suggest. The remake starring Tyrone Power is much more impressive.

Silent movie viewer's guide
I am afraid that silent movies are not for every taste. But complaining about a silent movie being bad because it is, well, silent is like complaining that a talking movie is bad because it, well, talks.

As with any entertainment from a different era, silent films require patience and an open mind to get the proper feel of. Some people can do this, some people can't, that does not make either side an inferior species.

After having just rewatched this film, I must say that I still find it quite enjoyable. (I have seen every readily available version of Zorro) This is still the best of the lot in my opinion for several reasons. First, no pretentions. Second, very good action. Third, wildly imaginative stunts for the time.

I do hope you will give this movie a fair chance, silent films are a fascinating intellectual challenge to a modern filmgoer and will widen your film appreciation. Set your mind back to 1920 and savour the taste of the era. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Bravo, Valentino!
The quality of this film (or at least the version I purchased) did not seem to be to the standards of other Valentino films (picture seemed grainy and the speed seemed much faster), but I still rate it among one of the best. Like one review wrote, it does lack the style of the later Tyrone Power remake; however, Power comes nowhere close to Valentino's brooding, sensual portrayal of Juan Gallardo, and Nita Naldi was much more convincing as the witchy Dona Sol than Rita Hayworth, and plays the range of emotions (from begging Gallardo to love her to coldly reacting to his death)extremely well. This 1922 version captures the spirit of the bullfight remarkably well in spite of the limitations of silent film-making, and seemed incredibly authentic.

Now - about Valentino. I was puzzled at the over-emphasized eyebrows and wish the make-up artists had not found it necessary to use the effect, as Valentino would have projected a Spanish image easily with his natural dramatic looks alone. But, either way, he is intensely sexy, powerful, brooding, smoldering and hypnotic as usual. I enjoyed his portrayal of the youth Juan, especially his tenderness toward his mother. His transition from youth to adult matador was natural and believable. The scene in which Dona Sol begs him to love her and proclaims that she longs for him to "beat" her with his "strong" hands was highly erotic and was packed with a sexual tension that can't be matched by anyone other than Valentino and his leading ladies. I may be biased, because I am crazy about any vehicle which showcases Rudolph Valentino; however, this film carries its own and I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end. Once again, Valentino has captured my heart, and I recommend this film to all lovers of romance.

What I think....
I think this is the best film Valentino ever did! His acting in the romantic scenes lacks the over the top feel that the loves scenes in "The Sheik" have. He brings a sincere, believeable quality to the character. Also, something that the reviews here seem to miss is the comedic moments in the film. In the scene when the black Moor servant offers to light Valentino's cigarette... the look on his face is priceless! Having the video of this film as well I noticed several scenes on the DVD edition that were missing from the VHS edition.
The DVD edition also includes a wonderfully funny piece of Will Rogers' "Blood And Sand" spoof.

CREEPY VAL BROODS AGAIN
Rudolph Valentino blazed on the silent screen with a weird, smoldering sensuality that seems kind of laughable when seen in stills or clips.

Not so in "BLOOD AND SAND," his most celebrated role. Rarely seen today, this classic silent in a new digital transfer from a 35mm archive negative does justice to the enigmatic Valentino's portrayal of Juan Gallardo, a young Spaniard who achieves his boyhood dream of becoming a famous matador only to fall under the malefic charms of mysterious Dona Sol (Nita Naldi).

The compilation, exotic stereo music score is performed by the acclaimed Mont Alto Motion Picture orchestra. The disc comes with a wealth of supplemental features including a filmed introduction by Orson Welles, a great parody starring Will Rogers, footage from Valentino's funeral and more. Brooding and hypnotic and funky. No one smolders like Valentino. Was he gay or just pleasant?

One of Valentino's best!
I recently bought this movie and loved it. I disagree with Maltin's comments - the seduction scenes are a lot of fun and really make the movie, whereas the bullfighting sequences are less impressive - though Valentino does look great in his matador's costume! What really struck me was the sensitivity in Valentino's performance and the overt sensual quality he possesses that just lights up the screen. Nita Naldi plays her role as the 'the vamp' very well and her scenes with Valentino are great (they played together again in 'Cobra'). Of course, the movie is wildly dated - it's 80 years old! But it holds up well as a piece of entertainment, and fans of silent movies should enjoy it. And if you're a fan of Valentino then you're going to love him in this - he looks stunning and gives one of his finest performances, and according to what I've read it was one of his personal favourite parts to play.

Bravo!
Another of Rudolph Valentino's cinematic triumphs. He stars as a bullfighter who is torn between two women. It's a very good film and the bullfighting scenes are very interesting to watch. Great performances by Valentino, Lila Lee and Nita Naldi make this a good film. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Loved it!!!
This is a great silent film and my first with Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. (I love his son - he's cool and looks a lot like Cary Elwes in Princess Bride). He is great in the part-daring and dashing about here and there as Zorro while yawning into his hankercheif like a 'fish' while a rich gentleman. (You'll note the story is very remniscent of the Scarlet Pimpernel.) The 'lines' are great, the acting very well done and a number of parts will have you chuckling (like when the girl slaps him not once, not twice, not thrice - and with both hands on either cheek!) I'll have to say that this is one of the most enjoyable silent films i've seen in a while. When I put it on, even my little sister came to watch it.

I loved this movie!
Last Thursday, I got "The Mark of Zorro", starring Douglas Fairbanks, Sr., and I have already seen it. I loved it!

I especially loved the way Fairbanks played the dual role of Don Diego Vega/Zorro. Don Diego's lifelessness was oftentimes amusing, and so were those magic tricks of his. And I loved seeing the practical jokes Zorro played on Sergeant Gonzales. Oh, and could Zorro ever woo Senorita Lolita Pulido!

The acting was probably very good for a 1920s movie (though quite frankly, this is the first time I really saw a silent film, so I don't have much to compare it to), though the performance of Marguerite de la Motte as Lolita, in particular, is slightly melodramatic at times. Still, it's a minor complaint, and it didn't keep me from loving the movie and from wanting to watch it often. END

One of the best of the silents.
The only silent film I have enjoyed as much as I enjoy the best of modern film is Buster Keaton's The General, but Douglas Fiarbanks' The Mark of Zorro holds up better than most silents. The original music by Jon C. Mirsalis adds a lot. The sequal, Don Q., Son of Zorro, is even better than "Mark", so be sure to buy the two films on one DVD from King Video.

Wierd
I saw this film last night on TCM. Silent movies are very odd. Douglas Fairbanks is impressive in his acrobatics and swordplay but does not look like Don Diego, who is said to be handsome in the original story. It is the basic traditional Zorro story, based directly on the original novel by Johnston McCulley. For my first silent movie, it was OK, but without sound it is hard to follow. All the original characters are here, all not as attractive as their parts suggest. The remake starring Tyrone Power is much more impressive.

Silent movie viewer's guide
I am afraid that silent movies are not for every taste. But complaining about a silent movie being bad because it is, well, silent is like complaining that a talking movie is bad because it, well, talks.

As with any entertainment from a different era, silent films require patience and an open mind to get the proper feel of. Some people can do this, some people can't, that does not make either side an inferior species.

After having just rewatched this film, I must say that I still find it quite enjoyable. (I have seen every readily available version of Zorro) This is still the best of the lot in my opinion for several reasons. First, no pretentions. Second, very good action. Third, wildly imaginative stunts for the time.

I do hope you will give this movie a fair chance, silent films are a fascinating intellectual challenge to a modern filmgoer and will widen your film appreciation. Set your mind back to 1920 and savour the taste of the era. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

One of Garbo's Best
Having seen Greta Garbo's spy movies (Mysterious Lady and Mata Hari) I prefer "The Mysterious Lady." Garbo's seductive performance is far more engaging and believable and the story has more intrigue in the silent version. Conrad Nagel gives a good performance but it is easy to see (and prefer) John Gilbert in this part. Garbo was on bad terms with Gilbert at the time and refused to do the picture if he was cast. The movie turns around Garbo, as a Russian spy, who falls in love with an Austrian officer (Conrad Nagel). Their paths unexpectedly cross when she steals military secrets from him aboard a train. Nagel is disgraced but can redeem himself if he can put an end to Garbo's spying career. But is he still in love with her, and she with him? As is the case with many silent prints, this one has some rough places but it should not stop anyone from enjoying the film. The music nicely sets the tone of the movie.

Greta Garbo plays another spy; Russian this time
Greta Garbo plays Tania, a Russian spy who is having an affair with Austrian Captain Karl von Heinersdorff (Conrad Nagel) in order to get secret plans on the eve of the First World War. Tania falls in love with Karl, but still steals the plans. As a result, Karl is court-martialed and imprisoned. When his uncle (Albert Pollet) helps him escape, Karl goes to Russia and tracks down Tania. Since she really does love Karl, Tania steals papers that chief spy General Alexandroff (Gustav von Seyffertitz) received from a true Austrian traitor and gives them to Karl. But then, Alexandroff learns what she has done. Actually, you can forget about all the spying and intrigue in "The Mysterious Lady," because what this movie really offers is Greta Garbo in a whole lot of love scenes. Whenever possible, director Fred Niblo goes in for a close up on Garbo, which is a good move given that her costumes in this film are not particularly flattering. But certainly "The Mysterious Lady" provides ample evidence of why Garbo was such an alluring movie star during the silent era. This 1928 M-G-M film was based on the novel "War in the Dark" by Ludwig Wolff. Garbo and Nagel would team up again in "The Kiss," for even more romance.

Greta Garbo as a Russian spy in love with Conrad Nagel
Greta Garbo plays Tania, a Russian spy who is having an affair with Austrian Captain Karl von Heinersdorff (Conrad Nagel) in order to get secret plans on the eve of the First World War. Tania falls in love with Karl, but still steals the plans. As a result, Karl is court-martialed and imprisoned. When his uncle (Albert Pollet) helps him escape, Karl goes to Russia and tracks down Tania. Since she really does love Karl, Tania steals papers that chief spy General Alexandroff (Gustav von Seyffertitz) received from a true Austrian traitor and gives them to Karl. But then, Alexandroff learns what she has done.

Actually, you can forget about all the spying and intrigue in "The Mysterious Lady," because what this movie really offers is Greta Garbo in a whole lot of love scenes. Whenever possible, director Fred Niblo goes in for a close up on Garbo, which is a good move given that her costumes in this film are not particularly flattering. But certainly "The Mysterious Lady" provides ample evidence of why Garbo was such an alluring movie star during the silent era. This 1928 M-G-M film was based on the novel "War in the Dark" by Ludwig Wolff. Garbo and Nagel again teamed up in "The Kiss."

Garbo - 5, Print Quality - Zip
The box is labeled "In Glorious Black & White," but the b/w print available on video is horrendous. It's not only in black and and white, but due to the ancient quality of the film transfer, it also changes to blue, amber and red. And their are spots, blips and scratches all over the film. This video can't compare to the b/w quality of 'The Kiss.'

The picture is clear. The music is wonderful. And in silence, you can see why Garbo was considered such a phenomenal sex symbol, before trite dialogue rendered her a stately object of dated romance. But she looks phenomenal, and gives more intelligence to the material than it probably deserves. If only the print quality were better. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Douglas Fairbanks established himself as the first action hero in a series of lavish, action-packed adventures beginning with The Mark of Zorro in 1920. The next year Fairbanks called on the director of that success, Fred Niblo, to direct him in the even more ambitious The Three Musketeers, a swashbuckling costume classic packed with romance, knockabout humor, and Fairbanks's patented brand of gymnastic action. In a perfect match with his exuberantly cocky personality, Fairbanks plays the naive but gifted son of an impoverished nobleman who goes to Paris to seek his fame in the legendary king's guards, known as the Musketeers. The quick-tempered hick is easy to rile and immediately secures duels with the best swordsmen in France, the infamous Three Musketeers, before bonding with them in a brawling fight with the Cardinal's men. Meanwhile, the conniving Cardinal plots to humiliate the Queen and gain the ear of the foppish, easily manipulated King (Adolphe Menjou). The complicated plot introduces more characters than one can easily keep track of and Niblo tends toward static, airy setups that show off the spectacular sets, relying on the bounding energy of human dynamo Fairbanks to create the energy, which he does with cocksure confidence and a smile simultaneously generous, genuine, and just a little smug. Fairbank's version is a veritable blueprint for Richard Lester's excellent 1974 remake. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (3)

ONE OF FAIRBANK'S BEST MOVIES
Doug Fairbanks was the consumate swashbuckler and the Three Musketeers is one of his best movies, if not THE best."The Three Musketeers" is based on the French novel by Alexandre Dumas. The King of France (Adolphe Menjou) is a weak-minded man manipulated by his sinister advisor Cardinal Richelieu (Nigel de Brulier). The Cardinal conspires against the Queen who opposes his influence. Fortunately for her, she is aided by the King's Musketeers, who have just welcomed young D'Artagnan (Fairbanks) into their ranks.

The actual Musketeers pretty much fade into the background and act as more of a comedic back-up to Fairbanks. I couldn't really tell one from the other (except for the portly Porthos) but they do a fair job with the fight sequences that they are given.

Great costume, exciting sword fights make this a true winner!

Back to basics
Sometimes the simplest things are the best !
I can recommand also the french silent movie version from henri diamant-berger(in 1921 too) that was a huge budget for this time and was lost forever before being found by chance in a private home.

No matter how thrilling and entertaining all the movie adaptations of dumas stories are, the book is still the best

That old movie is very close to the book which is a great thing

to get it, go to the french amazon (www.amazon.fr) and type les trois mousquetaires choose the one from diamant-berger

Fairbanks at his best!
Silent movie fans will be delighted with this swashbuckling tale starring the one and only Douglas Fairbanks! Set in France of long ago, this film uses elaborate costumes, wonderful sets and a hoard of extras. Fairbanks IS Dartanion as he sword fights his way into the Musketeers with bavery, arrogance and that wonderful touch of humor that seems to sparkle through his films. Spectacular stunts (done by the man himself), a wild chase scene and a supporting cast including Eugene Paulette (before he became rotund) and Adolph Menjou make this a silent screen classic everyone will enjoy! Watch out for the "odious Cardinal!" ... Read more

Reviews (4)

One of Garbo's Best
Having seen Greta Garbo's spy movies (Mysterious Lady and Mata Hari) I prefer "The Mysterious Lady." Garbo's seductive performance is far more engaging and believable and the story has more intrigue in the silent version. Conrad Nagel gives a good performance but it is easy to see (and prefer) John Gilbert in this part. Garbo was on bad terms with Gilbert at the time and refused to do the picture if he was cast. The movie turns around Garbo, as a Russian spy, who falls in love with an Austrian officer (Conrad Nagel). Their paths unexpectedly cross when she steals military secrets from him aboard a train. Nagel is disgraced but can redeem himself if he can put an end to Garbo's spying career. But is he still in love with her, and she with him? As is the case with many silent prints, this one has some rough places but it should not stop anyone from enjoying the film. The music nicely sets the tone of the movie.

Greta Garbo plays another spy; Russian this time
Greta Garbo plays Tania, a Russian spy who is having an affair with Austrian Captain Karl von Heinersdorff (Conrad Nagel) in order to get secret plans on the eve of the First World War. Tania falls in love with Karl, but still steals the plans. As a result, Karl is court-martialed and imprisoned. When his uncle (Albert Pollet) helps him escape, Karl goes to Russia and tracks down Tania. Since she really does love Karl, Tania steals papers that chief spy General Alexandroff (Gustav von Seyffertitz) received from a true Austrian traitor and gives them to Karl. But then, Alexandroff learns what she has done. Actually, you can forget about all the spying and intrigue in "The Mysterious Lady," because what this movie really offers is Greta Garbo in a whole lot of love scenes. Whenever possible, director Fred Niblo goes in for a close up on Garbo, which is a good move given that her costumes in this film are not particularly flattering. But certainly "The Mysterious Lady" provides ample evidence of why Garbo was such an alluring movie star during the silent era. This 1928 M-G-M film was based on the novel "War in the Dark" by Ludwig Wolff. Garbo and Nagel would team up again in "The Kiss," for even more romance.

Greta Garbo as a Russian spy in love with Conrad Nagel
Greta Garbo plays Tania, a Russian spy who is having an affair with Austrian Captain Karl von Heinersdorff (Conrad Nagel) in order to get secret plans on the eve of the First World War. Tania falls in love with Karl, but still steals the plans. As a result, Karl is court-martialed and imprisoned. When his uncle (Albert Pollet) helps him escape, Karl goes to Russia and tracks down Tania. Since she really does love Karl, Tania steals papers that chief spy General Alexandroff (Gustav von Seyffertitz) received from a true Austrian traitor and gives them to Karl. But then, Alexandroff learns what she has done.

Actually, you can forget about all the spying and intrigue in "The Mysterious Lady," because what this movie really offers is Greta Garbo in a whole lot of love scenes. Whenever possible, director Fred Niblo goes in for a close up on Garbo, which is a good move given that her costumes in this film are not particularly flattering. But certainly "The Mysterious Lady" provides ample evidence of why Garbo was such an alluring movie star during the silent era. This 1928 M-G-M film was based on the novel "War in the Dark" by Ludwig Wolff. Garbo and Nagel again teamed up in "The Kiss."

Garbo - 5, Print Quality - Zip
The box is labeled "In Glorious Black & White," but the b/w print available on video is horrendous. It's not only in black and and white, but due to the ancient quality of the film transfer, it also changes to blue, amber and red. And their are spots, blips and scratches all over the film. This video can't compare to the b/w quality of 'The Kiss.'

The picture is clear. The music is wonderful. And in silence, you can see why Garbo was considered such a phenomenal sex symbol, before trite dialogue rendered her a stately object of dated romance. But she looks phenomenal, and gives more intelligence to the material than it probably deserves. If only the print quality were better. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Bravo, Valentino!
The quality of this film (or at least the version I purchased) did not seem to be to the standards of other Valentino films (picture seemed grainy and the speed seemed much faster), but I still rate it among one of the best. Like one review wrote, it does lack the style of the later Tyrone Power remake; however, Power comes nowhere close to Valentino's brooding, sensual portrayal of Juan Gallardo, and Nita Naldi was much more convincing as the witchy Dona Sol than Rita Hayworth, and plays the range of emotions (from begging Gallardo to love her to coldly reacting to his death)extremely well. This 1922 version captures the spirit of the bullfight remarkably well in spite of the limitations of silent film-making, and seemed incredibly authentic.

Now - about Valentino. I was puzzled at the over-emphasized eyebrows and wish the make-up artists had not found it necessary to use the effect, as Valentino would have projected a Spanish image easily with his natural dramatic looks alone. But, either way, he is intensely sexy, powerful, brooding, smoldering and hypnotic as usual. I enjoyed his portrayal of the youth Juan, especially his tenderness toward his mother. His transition from youth to adult matador was natural and believable. The scene in which Dona Sol begs him to love her and proclaims that she longs for him to "beat" her with his "strong" hands was highly erotic and was packed with a sexual tension that can't be matched by anyone other than Valentino and his leading ladies. I may be biased, because I am crazy about any vehicle which showcases Rudolph Valentino; however, this film carries its own and I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end. Once again, Valentino has captured my heart, and I recommend this film to all lovers of romance.

What I think....
I think this is the best film Valentino ever did! His acting in the romantic scenes lacks the over the top feel that the loves scenes in "The Sheik" have. He brings a sincere, believeable quality to the character. Also, something that the reviews here seem to miss is the comedic moments in the film. In the scene when the black Moor servant offers to light Valentino's cigarette... the look on his face is priceless! Having the video of this film as well I noticed several scenes on the DVD edition that were missing from the VHS edition.
The DVD edition also includes a wonderfully funny piece of Will Rogers' "Blood And Sand" spoof.

CREEPY VAL BROODS AGAIN
Rudolph Valentino blazed on the silent screen with a weird, smoldering sensuality that seems kind of laughable when seen in stills or clips.

Not so in "BLOOD AND SAND," his most celebrated role. Rarely seen today, this classic silent in a new digital transfer from a 35mm archive negative does justice to the enigmatic Valentino's portrayal of Juan Gallardo, a young Spaniard who achieves his boyhood dream of becoming a famous matador only to fall under the malefic charms of mysterious Dona Sol (Nita Naldi).

The compilation, exotic stereo music score is performed by the acclaimed Mont Alto Motion Picture orchestra. The disc comes with a wealth of supplemental features including a filmed introduction by Orson Welles, a great parody starring Will Rogers, footage from Valentino's funeral and more. Brooding and hypnotic and funky. No one smolders like Valentino. Was he gay or just pleasant?

One of Valentino's best!
I recently bought this movie and loved it. I disagree with Maltin's comments - the seduction scenes are a lot of fun and really make the movie, whereas the bullfighting sequences are less impressive - though Valentino does look great in his matador's costume! What really struck me was the sensitivity in Valentino's performance and the overt sensual quality he possesses that just lights up the screen. Nita Naldi plays her role as the 'the vamp' very well and her scenes with Valentino are great (they played together again in 'Cobra'). Of course, the movie is wildly dated - it's 80 years old! But it holds up well as a piece of entertainment, and fans of silent movies should enjoy it. And if you're a fan of Valentino then you're going to love him in this - he looks stunning and gives one of his finest performances, and according to what I've read it was one of his personal favourite parts to play.

Bravo!
Another of Rudolph Valentino's cinematic triumphs. He stars as a bullfighter who is torn between two women. It's a very good film and the bullfighting scenes are very interesting to watch. Great performances by Valentino, Lila Lee and Nita Naldi make this a good film. ... Read more

Description

With RUDOLPH VALENTINO, LILA LEE, NITA NALDI. Directed by FRED NIBLO. One of Rudolph Valentinos most famous roles and, according to movie historian Theodore Huff, "the film in which (he) gave what is generally considered his finest performance." Valentino himself urged Paramount to make this film because he was upset at the series of trivial parts hed been given since his triumph in "The Shiek." The plot is the prototype for many bullfighting movies to follow. Valentino plays Juan Gallardo, a poor boy who realizes his lifelong ambition to become the most famous matador in Spain. He marries his nice childhood sweetheart, but succumbs to the vampish seductions of a beautiful society woman. The excitement of the bullfighting scenes (expertly interweaving documentary footage with closeups of Valentino in action) is matched by the eroticism of the boudoir episodes. The film attempts to expose the cruelty of bullfighting; theres even a philosopher who periodically comments on the sports brutality and decadence. But Gallardo seems to be defeated as much by the immorality of his sex life as by the justice meted out in the arena. Directed by Fred Niblo (of "Ben Hur" fame) with emphasis on production values and fine pictorial qualities. Valentinos striking looks combine with extraordinarily graceful movements and its easy to see why he was the leading sex symbol of the silent screen. Silent film with music score, correct projection speed. 92 minutes. ... Read more