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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1921 Vision of Eddie Lyons
The evocative power of A Shocking Night stems from the unique collaboration between the bold experimentation that has become synonymous with Eddie Lyons. Framed by the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of the production, it echoes the profound changes occurring in United States during that era.
In A Shocking Night, Eddie Lyons 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.
| Cinematography | Static |
| Soundtrack | Experimental |
| Editing | Elliptical |
| Art Direction | Expressionist |
Visualizing the convergence of Eddie Lyons's style and the core Comedy narrative.
William Harcourt loses all his money in a business transaction and is forced to dismiss his servants. Mr. and Mrs. Harcourt are about to entertain Richard Thayer and his fiancée Bessie Lane at dinner when they receive a message announcing the arrival of Montana millionaire Bill Bradford, a client of Harcourt's. Anxious to make a good impression, Harcourt and his wife disguise themselves as servants, while Thayer and his fiancée take the part of the Harcourts. Bradford's arrival causes much embarrassment, which is complicated by the arrival of Miss Lane's father. Everything is finally explained, and Bradford takes it all as a joke. He agrees to buy a mine from Harcourt and hires him as his general manager.
Decades after its release, A Shocking Night remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Eddie Lyons's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.