The Eagle

Enjoyable adaptation of Russian novel for American screen with well-polished Rudolf Valentino as the former Czarist officer who extracts revenge as the "Black Eagle" against the landowner who cheated his father. Valentino performs macho acts and is not cast only as a ladies man. Excellent directing by Clarence Brown, good re-writing to fit an American audience, some tricky camera shots, and wonderful sets add to the enjoyment of this very good film. Vilma Banky sizzles as the beautiful romantic interest that makes the erstwhile thief select love over vengeance. This is the next to the last time that we see Valentino. Gary Cooper (uncredited) appears as one of the masked cossacks -- you will never find him. Recommended.

...mix of masked-hero action and romantic comedy from director Clarence Brown and based on a novel by Pushkin. Young Lt. Vladimir Doubrovsky (Rudolph Valentino) of the Russian Army is forced to go on the run after spurning the romantic advances of the Czarina (Louise Dresser). Once back in his home village, Doubrovsky learns that local baron Kyrilla (James Marcus) has been cheating the people out of their land, money and possessions, including Doubrovsky's own father, who died of despair at his losses. Doubrovsky vows revenge, and so adopts the guise of the Black Eagle, a Zorro-like masked bandit-hero who, along with his band of cohorts, makes life miserable for Kyrilla. However, when Kyrilla's beautiful daughter Mascha (Vilma Banky) comes home from abroad, Doubrovsky is smitten, and so he impersonates her new personal tutor to infiltrate Kyrilla's estate and to woo Mascha. Also featuring Albert Conti, George Nichols, Carrie Clark Ward, Gary Cooper as a masked extra, and Gustav von Seyffertitz.

Valentino is good here, although I wish there had been more action scenes with him as the Black Eagle. Dresser is fun as the lascivious Czarina. William Cameron Menzies provided the gorgeous production design, and director Brown dazzles with a "how'd they do that?" tracking shot over a sumptuous banquet table. My only real complaint would be that the movie can't seem to decide what it wants to be, and therefore sells both efforts a bit short. This was only my second Valentino film (after 1922's Blood and Sand), and it would prove to be his next-to-last film. It was a big hit for him after a run of disappointments, and signaled a big comeback which would be cut short after one more film and his death at age 31 in 1926.

This was the first silent film I'd ever seen, and it immediately captivated me. All the acting is incredible, and Valentino's allure is breathtaking. The story is adventurous and interesting and even humorous at times. I recommend it to anyone interested in seeing a silent film or anyone just looking to see some classic entertainment.

This is a very good period melodrama that also features one of Rudolph Valentino's best roles. The Robin Hood-like story combines drama, excitement, revenge, romance, and more in a well-crafted movie that is entertaining to watch. Vilma Banky and Louise Dresser head up a good supporting cast that works well with Valentino.

The story setup has Valentino's character on the run from an angry Czarina, even as he is cheated out of his family possessions by a dishonest nobleman. He turns outlaw to avenge his family name, only to have everything complicated by romance. It's a good story, though a largely familiar one, and the cast and director Clarence Brown make it enjoyable.

It's a good role for Valentino because it plays to his strengths and doesn't ask him to do much more. Banky is sympathetic as the daughter of the crooked Kyrilla, and Dresser does a very good job as Empress Catherine, bringing out her personal desires and her ruthless use of power. Albert Conti and James Marcus also give good performances, while Brown keeps things moving at a good pace and tells the story effectively, with an occasional lighter moment to keep things from being taken too seriously. "The Eagle" combines a good story, cast, and production values, and it works quite well.

I saw "The Eagle" made in 1925 a few years back on video from Nostalgia cable. It had a sound effects addition and a beautiful Tchaikovsky orchestral score by Michael Hoffman. Mr. Valentino played the first of his duel role career as a fearless lieutenant in the imperial Czarina home guard. When Valentino learns of his father's swindle by a crooked neighbor and lawyer, he rushes home to find his father dying and estate forfeitured. He seeks revenge as THE BLACK Eagle, sort of Robin Hood. The crooked neighbor has a lovely daughter who comes between Valentino carrying out his intentions. Will THE BLACK EAGLE EXTRACT his due? The ending straightens out any ill intentions.

Charles Farenga