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Cult Review
Senior Film Conservator
Honestly, you should only watch this if you're a bit of a nerd for 1930s history or if you want to see how Hollywood used to make movies for the French market. If you want a fast-moving action movie, stay away.
It’s one of those early 'talkies' where everyone is terrified of the microphone. They stand very still and talk very loudly.
The plot is pretty simple. Lopez is this bandit who rides up to a ranch with his gang to cause trouble.
But then he realizes the guy living there is an old pal who saved him once. So, instead of being a villain, he tries to help the guy out with his money problems and his love life.
Geymond Vital plays Lopez with way too much energy. He’s always grinning and showing his teeth like he’s in a toothpaste commercial.
It’s a bit much, but at least he’s not boring. Everyone else in the ranch looks like they are bored out of their minds.
There is this one lady, Lucia, who just stands by the window for most of her scenes. She looks like she’s waiting for a delivery that is three hours late.
The sets are incredibly flimsy. When a door slams, the whole wall wobbles like it’s made of wet cardboard.
It reminded me of the cheap sets in The Scarlet Car, though that one had a bit more style. This just feels like a stage play with some dirt thrown on the floor.
The sound quality is pretty rough. There is a constant buzzing noise in the background that never stops.
It sounds like a swarm of bees is hiding in the camera. 🐝
The dialogue is all in French, but it’s that very formal, old-fashioned French where they say everything twice. It makes the movie feel twice as long as it actually is.
If you've seen The Passion of St. Francis, you know how these old films can be really moody and quiet. This is the opposite.
Everyone just keeps shouting about honor and debts. I guess that’s what passed for drama back then.
I did like the scene where the bandits are looting the house while Lopez is trying to be a gentleman. One guy is literally carrying a rug out the door while Lopez is talking about his soul.
It’s funny, but I’m 90% sure it wasn't supposed to be. 🤠
The lighting is very flat and weirdly bright. It makes everyone look like they have big dark circles under their eyes.
They look like they haven't slept since 1928. It's distracting once you notice it.
If you want something with actual movement, you'd be better off with Speeding Through. That one actually goes places.
Lopez, le bandit mostly just stays in one room and talks. And talks. And talks.
I noticed one extra in the background who looks like he's about to fall over. He just leans against a post and stares into space for three minutes.
It’s these little mistakes that make these old movies worth watching. You can tell they were just trying to get it finished as fast as possible.
The ending is very sudden. Lopez just decides everything is fixed and leaves.
No big shootout, no grand finale. Just a guy on a horse saying goodbye to a very confused couple.
It’s not a masterpiece like Out of the Storm, but it’s a weird little piece of history. Just don't expect it to make much sense.
One more thing: the hats are way too big. Every time someone moves, I’m afraid their hat is going to fall off and ruin the take.
Anyway, watch it if you're bored and like dusty rooms. Otherwise, maybe skip it for something like Air Tight.
IMDb —
1920
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