Deep Archive Finds in the Vein of Fang and Claw: Cult Guide

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The Fang and Claw Phenomenon

As a pivotal work in United States cinema, Fang and Claw to capture the existential zeitgeist of 1935.

Always interesting, at times exciting, and produced with an expert knowledge of showmanship values - these are usually the characteristics of Frank Buck's jungle films. This one is no exception. It is excellent child entertainment, and also has a definite appeal for adults, particularly those who have not seen his preceding films. Buck's future problems as a producer will consist largely in finding new stunts for animals to perform on their native heaths, or is it veldts? In this one he captures three pythons in three different ways, each more exciting than the preceding one. First he grabs one by the tail and pulls it out of some bushes with the help of his native boys. Then he throws a burlap bag over its head and grabs it by the neck while they tie it on a pole. A second python is shot out of a tree and dropped into a net. A third entwines itself around the head guide and is unwound with plenty of struggling. Buck knows how to build up his scenes. Tigers are captured in various ways and one is lowered over a cliff. A rhinoceros with an injured ear is operated upon. A crocodile is tied to a pole after much lashing about. In one sequence a tiger pursues a native into his cabin and then up a tree before being shot. There are the usual comedy touches with bears and monkeys. Buck's narrative runs through most of the film, with orchestral accompaniment to fill in the silent places and build the effects. The photography by Nicholas Cavaliere and Harry E. Squire is excellent, and Winston Sharpies did a good job on the music.

Deep Archive Finds in the Vein of Fang and Claw

Based on the unique stylistic flair of Fang and Claw, our vault has identified these titles as the most compelling follow-up experiences for fans of Documentary cinema:

★ 6

1. For the Soul of Rafael 1920

Dir: Harry Garson

Marta Estevan is ready to leave the convent where she has been reared. Dona Luisa Artega, mother of Rafael and the young girl's guardian, arranges a marriage between the two, because she thinks that Marta's influence will rescue her son from the wild life he is leading and make a man of him. Marta rescues the American Bryton, when he is attacked by Indians, and falls in love with him. Rafael's mother sends Bryton away by telling him that the girl has entered a convent for life, and after telling Marta that Bryton had been killed on the trail she exacts a vow from the girl that she will marry her son. Marta marries Rafael. Bryton comes back after the marriage and after Marta has found out the true character of her husband. The story moves on from this point to a happy ending, but with much action of tense and strenuous nature in between. - Moving Picture World, May 15, 1920.

Film Title	Atmosphere	Complexity	Similarity
For the Soul of Rafael	Surreal	Dense	93% Match
The Adventurer	Surreal	Dense	95% Match
Nude Woman by Waterfall	Gothic	High	90% Match
The Phantom Foe	Ethereal	Linear	92% Match
Alf's Button	Ethereal	Abstract	91% Match

The Fang and Claw Phenomenon

Stylistic Legacy