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5.8/10
Archivist John
Senior Editor
A definitive 5.8/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. The Midnight Taxi remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
So, "The Midnight Taxi" from 1928. Is it worth digging up today? Absolutely, if you're into the weird, wonderful quirks of early cinema and how movies used to *feel*. But if you need crystal-clear sound and a plot that ties up every single loose end, you might find this one a bit of a head-scratcher. 🚕
This is one of those 'part-talkies' from the era, but the copy most of us can see, the one at the BFI, is silent. It means you’re watching a movie that was *meant* to have sound in some spots, but you’re experiencing it without. That creates a strange, almost ghostly, vibe. You can almost feel the gaps where a shouted line or a dramatic music swell should have been.
The whole thing clocks in at under 50 minutes, which makes it a brisk ride. It’s not about grand statements, more about the atmosphere and a quick jolt of suspense.
Antonio Moreno plays the cab driver caught in all the trouble. He’s got this intense, sometimes worried, look that really sells the whole 'man in over his head' thing. You watch him, he just *looks* like he’s seen too much already.
And then there’s Myrna Loy, even in these early roles, she has this undeniable screen presence. She’s not just 'a girl' in the background; there’s a spark there, a knowing glance that catches your eye. She can convey a lot with just a tilt of her head, you know?
The thriller aspect is pretty simple: our taxi man gets mixed up with some shadowy types. There's a particular scene where he’s driving through what feels like the dead of night, and the streetlights just barely cut through the gloom. It’s a great visual effect, really pulls you into that late-night city feeling.
There are these quick cuts during some of the chase sequences. They’re a bit jarring, but they do make you feel the frantic energy. It's not sleek, modern editing, but it gets the job done. Sometimes, a reaction shot lingers just a second too long, and it's almost comical, but then the next shot pulls you right back into the tension.
The story itself is less about intricate twists and turns and more about the raw chase. You’re kinda just following along, watching our hero try to untangle himself. It feels very much like a product of its time, not trying to be overly clever.
One small moment: there’s a close-up of a hand reaching for a door handle, and the way the light hits it, it just looks *so* stark. It's such a simple shot, but it tells you everything you need to know about the danger.
The film doesn't try to over-explain anything. You’re dropped into the action, things happen, and you sort of piece it together as you go. It’s a refreshing change from movies that spell out every little detail for you. 🤫
"The Midnight Taxi" is a fascinating little piece of film history. It's a reminder of how much movies have changed, and how much has stayed the same. It's rough around the edges, sure, but there’s a genuine pulse to it. It makes you wonder what the sound version was like.
It’s not a masterpiece you’ll talk about for weeks, but for a quick dive into 1928's idea of a thrilling night out, it's pretty neat. You get to see a young Myrna Loy finding her stride and a vision of a city that feels both familiar and entirely alien.
IMDb —
1925
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