Vier Federn

Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack's first feature film that integrated their naturalist outdoor adventure style with Hollywood production values. Following GRASS (1925) and CHANG (1927), THE FOUR FEATHERS (1929) was one (1) of the last films in the transition from the Silent Era to Sound. It featured sound effects and a synchronized musical score. Paramount provided the stars, RICHARD ARLEN, CLIVE BROOK, WILLIAM POWELL, FAY WRAY and the technical skill to illustrate the story. This guaranteed its success at the box office when other such transitional-est films failed.

A.E.W. MASONs' THE FOUR FEATHERS had been filmed at least two (2) times before, 1915 and 1921. It would be adapted directly again in 1939, 1955 (STORM OVER THE NILE), 1977 (T.V.), 2002 as well as used as a basis for other films. Each adaptation contains variations from the novel too suit the then current producers motives. The version considered the best is 1939 that places emphasis on SACRIFICE, OMDURMAN and EMPIRE, we rate it TEN (10)**********STARS, IMDb.

COOPER/SCHOEDSACK put special emphasis on the natural aspects of filming in Africa including a stampede of Hippopotamuses as well as other elements native to the area. The cast does a first class job interpreting the screen play showing the sophistication of the late silent era. No mugging or obvious pantomime for the camera to get the point across. Film is well done and worth seeing compressing the salient features of the original novel. A novel that should be read first prior to seeing any of the versions. This would be the last COOPER/SCHOEDSACK production that would feature a emphasis on their original naturalist style. After this their pictures would reflect more and more being studio bound. This was a absolute necessity though. Their fantastic concepts could not be done any other way.