Der Adler (1925)
34KDer Adler: Directed by Clarence Brown. With Rudolph Valentino, Vilma Bánky, Louise Dresser, Albert Conti. A wanted Russian lieutenant becomes a masked vigilante seeking vengeance upon the man who stole his family’s land, only to fall for his charming daughter.
“This is a very good period melodrama that also features one of Rudolph Valentinou0026#39;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.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe story setup has Valentinou0026#39;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. Itu0026#39;s a good story, though a largely familiar one, and the cast and director Clarence Brown make it enjoyable.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eItu0026#39;s a good role for Valentino because it plays to his strengths and doesnu0026#39;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. u0026quot;The Eagleu0026quot; combines a good story, cast, and production values, and it works quite well.”
