Way Down East [1920]

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Editorial reviews

Amazon.co.uk Review
Way Down East was the most successful film of the 1920s, even more so than the original versions of Ben-Hur or The Ten Commandments. That says much about tastes and values of the day, since this is no visually spectacular epic designed to wow audiences: director DW Griffith gave it the subtitle "A Simple Story of Plain People". The story follows impoverished New England country girl Anna Moore (Lillian Gish) to Boston in search of family aid. Instead she's duped into a fake marriage by playboy Lennox Sanderson (Lowell Sherman). Pregnancy forces Sanderson to abandon her to care for the child alone, which dies soon after birth. The disgrace sends her back into the countryside to work for Squire Bartlett, whose son David (Richard Barthelmess) begins to fall for her. But the dreadful secret threatens to be revealed, since the dastardly Sanderson turns out to be their neighbour. Themes of loyalty and social change come to a head for a thrilling finale. Amazing stunt work occurs on a frozen river's ice sheets that break up, dashing an unconscious Anna toward a waterfall. Populated by eccentric cameo roles, this view of 1920s' life is a far more fascinating exploration of the contemporary female than the novel or disastrous stage play that preceded it.

On the DVD: Naturally a movie from 1920 is in mono and 4:3 ratio (which is effectively the old Academy standard ratio). But with subtle colour tints and using a musical score from its 1931 reissue, it still looks pretty good. Only a few reels have suffered damage (eg some heat blisters), otherwise film historian David Shepard's restoration job is commendable. The only extra is an essay on the history of the film which scrolls up the screen as an introduction. --Paul Tonks

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Customer reviews

review by: date: 2003-12-17 rating:
Griffiths Best Film
D W Griffith was one of the greatest directors in the silent era and Way Down East was probably his finest film. The film does not suffer from the flaws which spoil some of his other films such as racual overtones in 'The Birth of a Nation', or a disjointed narrative as does 'Intolerance' and the film therefore should be enjoyable to every silent film fan.
The actual plot of the film centers around Lillian Gish (who gives the performance of her career) and her attempts to escape an incident which occurred in her past. There is also a climax on an ice flow, which is probably the finest in motion history. I will not reveal more as it may spoil the film.
The picture quality of the DVD is good through out and has a score written at the time of the films release.
This DVD is really worth buying, the film still has the power to move even after 80 years and is an essential purchase to any silent film fan.

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Video . DVD & VHS . Categories . Classics . Drama
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Video . DVD & VHS . Refinements . Format (binding_browse-bin) . VHS
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Video . DVD & VHS . Refinements . Release Date (feature_three_browse-bin) . 1939 and earlier
Video . Video . Categories . Classic Films . Actresses . Gish, Lillian
Video . Video . Categories . Classic Films . Drama . 1920s
Video . Video . Categories . Classic Films . Silent Era
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