The Life and Death of 9413, a Hollywood Extra

This short experimental film tells the story of a man (Jules Raucourt) who comes to Hollywood to become a star, only to find himself branded a lonely extra.

There is clearly talent behind this little-known film. Robert Florey, better known for "Murders in the Rue Morgue", directs. And his cinematographer is none other than Gregg Toland, who was the eyes behind many a major success, including "Citizen Kane".

This short shows that even as early as 1928, Hollywood had an appeal and glamor that would draw people in, only to be chewed up and spit out by the system. Actors are a dime a dozen... and while no picture would be complete without extras, they are nothing to the audience.

Life and Death of 9413, A Hollywood Extra (1927)

*** (out of 4)

A huge technical achievement from director Robert Florey who's best remembered today for his Bela Lugosi chiller Murders in the Rue Morgue. This short tells the story of an actor, number 9413, moving to Hollywood to become a star but hitting dirt instead. The "story" really isn't anything at all but the visuals, done through miniatures and mirrors, is quite nice to look at and pack a nice little punch.

Fans of early cinema should certainly check this out. A lot of what we see in future Florey films is on display here.

Experimental - but accessible - movie describing the hardships of life as an extra in Hollywood that skilfully disguises the fact that it cost only $97 to make.

The impact this film had was profound. Considering the year it was made:1928, and the budget being $98.

$98 in 1928 equals $1,737.64 in 2024. Which is still very low cost. The clever tools used to create the imagery, telling a story was impressive. It goes to show that having human emotion, being moved, doesn't have to entail a multi-million dollar budget. Brilliant and resourceful story line, causing intrigue and thought provoking results.

Recommended viewing. Very interesting and entertaining. Good job, on the film makers, to pull off their concept, with low tech, low cost methods of story telling.

The ultra-low budget of this film clearly shows in the extreme close-ups of faces, searchlights and office space (avoiding the need for background sets!) and stylised landscape model work: but it forms a surreal style all of its own, as extra 9413 learns to mouth 'blah blah blah' instead of talking and don bland masks instead of his own face... none of which does him any good in a world where the 'Casting today' signs always slide out further to reveal their true nature: "NO casting today". His female counterpart, dancing puppet-like to the director's tune (and perhaps his casting couch?) does rather better.

In this film, Hollywood is Hell and bliss is to become a free man and not a number. Sardonic social commentary without a single word.