Die Nacht der Liebe

"The Night Of Love" is a skillful blend of action and romance as only old-time Hollywood could do it. A lot of story is crammed into 83 minutes and the whole cast shines in this period piece set in medieval Spain. As related in the storyline, a licentious Duke invokes his droit de signeur privilege and invades a group of Gypsies preparing for a wedding. He absconds with the bride who was betrothed to Ronald Colman, and from there the Duke's troubles begin.

There are fight scenes, banquet/orgy scenes, escapes and chases and other instances suitable for a Hollywood spectacle. Leading man Colman is overshadowed by the luminous Vilma Banky. She commands the picture with her expressive, beautiful face and is the real star of the picture. Montague Love is the hapless villain trying to outwit Colman and is a hateful presence. The deus ex machina towards the end is difficult to swallow and shows influence of Catholicism on the part of the screenwriters, but does no harm to the final product. Since Banky could speak no English her career was over with the advent of sound, but she owns this picture lock, stock and barrel. A rousing swashbuckler with impeccable acting that make this film very worthwhile. Shown at Capitolfest, Rome, NY 8/18.

8/10 - Website no longer prints my star rating.