bethsch

This film doesn't land in the masterpiece category but it has all the essentials needed to make it entertaining and very worth watching. The story about love, spousal abuse,jealousy, cruel prejudice and extreme religious fervor are timeless ones which provide good roots for the plot to grow and branch out. Marguerite De La Motte's acting performance is just right with facial expression and gestures that convey their intent but are not overdone. I thought all the acting was pretty good but it is Lon Chaney who, of course, captures your heart and emotions with his portrayal of Yen Sin. His masterful skill is evidentas he maintains that hunched over posture throughout the film and makes you believe he is an old Chinese man with poignant expression while wearing considerably little make-up.

Yen Sin's character is one of depth. We are given insight to his kindness and selflessness on many occasions.His kindness to the little kitten (when he gives the kitten his new pillow and does without himself) is just one of many touching moments that give us an interest in this character which stays fervent until the film's end. I would recommend this film not only to Chaney fans, but to anyone who likes silents,as it is a picture with a moderate length, timeless topic, and great acting.

One of the first talking films, this film has a mediocre storyline but is quite entertaining nonetheless. It was filmed on location in Ketchikan,Alaska and it is very interesting to see the nearly 80 year old footage of that area. It is also worth viewing to see Jean Arthur,even though not her best of roles, and to see a nice early performance from Joel McCrea. Evelyn Brent plays the earthy Cherry Mallott with great finesse.She is very believable in the role and does not over-act as some silent era veterans might.The plot,although average, is not boring at all and it is easy to sit through this delightful piece of cinematic history.

Prior to seeing the film I read the book of the same title and thought it was one of the best ghost stories I had ever read. I also researched the bell witch legend. I couldn't wait for the movie expecting the talents of Donald Sutherland and Sissy Spacek to bring the story to life. I was to be very disappointed, finding the film left out almost all the aspects of the book that made the story suspenseful and "believable". Basically the film was a confusing mess and had I not read the book would have had no idea what was going on. I expected the film to follow the very intriguing bell witch legend but found it only did so loosely...a shame.