Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator

Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1924 Vision of Del Andrews
Peeling back the layers of Del Andrews's The Going of Cumming exposes the collaborative alchemy between Del Andrews and the 1924 creative team. Anchored by a narrative that is both personal and universal, it reinforces the idea that cinema is a medium of infinite possibilities.
In The Going of Cumming, Del Andrews pushes the boundaries of conventional narrative. The film's unique approach to its subject matter has sparked endless debates and interpretations among cinephiles and critics alike.
While deeply rooted in United States, The Going of Cumming has achieved a global reach, influencing directors from various backgrounds. Its ability to translate Short tropes into a universal cinematic language is why it remains a cult staple decades after its 1924 release.
| Cinematography | High-Contrast |
| Soundtrack | Minimalist |
| Editing | Disjunctive |
| Art Direction | Baroque |
Visualizing the convergence of Del Andrews's style and the core Short narrative.
Harold as usual has a fight scheduled with Ted, but a regular fighter, Cumming, is run in on him, and Harold is getting the worst of it when Peggy remembers he gets excited and goes all to pieces when he hears the stuttering song "Katy." She brings the phonograph to the ring and this brings about the "going of Cumming" for Harold easily knocks him out.
Decades after its release, The Going of Cumming remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Del Andrews's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.