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Although the quality of this VHS tape is absolutely excellent, it is such a good silent film that it deserves to be issued on DVD and be more readily available. It was nominated for "Best Picture" in 1928 and it's not hard to see why. Not only does it feature a dramatic performance by Emil Jannings, with superb direction by Josef von Sternberg, but the story is very interesting as well. The main theme is the Russian Revolution of 1917, but the focus is on the general, cousin of the Russian tsar and the most powerful man in Russia. Right from the start, however, we are shown a very human side of the general; 10 years later as a sad old man with a shocking past and for whom you can't help feeling sorry. Then the main part of the film, as a flashback, shows his experiences during the final days of tsarist Russia. There are some surprises and even a love story, some suspense when returning to the present day, 1928, and a very dramatic climax. Everything moves along and unfolds at a good pace, and there are not many intertitles to read or complications that are hard to follow, making this film a good choice for anyone new or a bit wary of silent films.
This film is one of the many reasons why modern film students and drama students ought to watch silent films. I am neither of these, but can appreciate the pathos and irony contained in this story, which is put across perhaps better silently, than if words were to interrupt. Everyone who loves classic films should not miss the silent genre.
A really interesting film made before the sound era. The cigarettes (which represent power), the emphasis on facial cues, and the role reversals of the characters are the best aspects of this film. If you happen to get the Criterion disc be sure to check out the Von Sternberg Till '29 visual essay (i.e. documentary). Its really worth the extra time. Great film for study!
As others have already stated here, this is just a great film from start to finish & I feel quite fortunate to have found it here on DVD! I'm a true fan of these old films. In fact, probably 75% of my movie collection is in black and white. If you get a chance, sit down some evening and watch this film. I think you'll like it as well. If you can't find this particular film, perhaps you can find an old Charlie Chaplin, Harold Loyd silent movie. My personal favorite silent film star is the old stone faced Buster Keaton. Many of these old films are becoming almost impossible for find. It's a shame. But if you get the chance to watch this fantastic old silent film I think you'll become a fan of these all but forgotten silent time as well!
I do still use my vcr because some movies are not available on DVD, or cost can be staggering. Everything was as expected. Quality good. I wanted to see William Powell in an early role. Wish more were available.
Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2012
The Last Command is an exceptionally good film that tells a powerful tale--based on a true story--with few intertitles; the acting is so well done and convincing! Emil Jannings turned in an Oscar winning performance as Grand Duke Sergius Alexander who wants to defend Imperial Russia from the Communist revolutionaries in 1917; Evelyn Brent and William Powell also do a magnificent job of portraying their characters. The plot progresses at a very good pace; indeed I was spellbound and unable to quit watching from the very beginning to the very ending of the film. The musical score enhances the film and both the choreography and the cinematography reflect great forethought.
When the action begins in 1928, we quickly meet Lev Andreyev (William Powell), a movie director in Hollywood who left Russia to avoid death at the hands of the Imperialists; Lev is casting numerous extras for a battle scene recreating a scene from the 1917 Russian fight against Communist revolutionaries. Looking at photo after photo, Lev simply can't find the right person to cast as the Russian General--until, that is, he sees the photo of the actual but now former General (the Grand Duke Sergius Alexander, played by Emil Jannings) whom he fought against in Russia! Lev immediately instructs his assistant to hire the former Russian General for work as an extra playing a Russian General in a battle scene quite similar to the actual battles the General commanded all those years prior; the former General must wear the exact same uniform that he wore all those years prior, too.
True, Lev gets the former General all right--the former General who is now stooped over and still tormented by the "shock" he received in 1917 when Russia fell to the revolutionaries and his cousin the Czar and he were no longer powerful--and sentenced to death! Lev badly wants the pleasure of turning the tables on the former General which is why Lev has him wear the same uniform he used to wear in battle. The former General's entire experience as a movie extra is designed by Lev to humiliate the former General for wanting Lev imprisoned and even killed back in 1917.
The rest of the film is mostly a flashback told with outstanding pantomime and a minimal use of intertitles. The focus of the rest of the picture is primarily how and why Lev and his girlfriend Natalie Dabrova, the most dangerous revolutionary in Russia, crossed paths with the General; what happened after Lev was imprisoned and the General was left to his own devices with Natalie. The flashback eventually ends and we also discover what happens to all involved at the movie studio in 1928.
This movie is available on individual DVD but unfortunately Amazon doesn't offer it for sale that way. You can look for it as part of the three DVD set entitled "Three Silent Classics by Josef Von Sternberg (Underworld / Last Command / Docks of New York) (The Criterion Collection)" or you can look for this on VHS tape.
The Last Command is an excellent film that will appeal to devotees of silent film and silent dramas based on real life. Fans of the actors in this film will also appreciate this classic drama.
Initially acquired Korean dvd of film (first experience with same), which was an excellent release, with original Gaylord Carter score. Have toyed with purchasing Criterion's '3 VS Silents' box set, but since that organ score was not included there, opted out. Having a multi-region dvd player, I instead picked up the Eureka blu/dvd combo set (REGION B/2) . . . Though blu has gone unwatched (don't have multi blu player, just dvd), I am thoroughly impressed with this release: Gaylord Carter score, 'Sternberg till '29' video essay, Tony Rayns interview, quality 32 pp booklet that includes excerpt from 'Fun in a Chinese Laundry', and vintage reviews. A marvelous set, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for those with a multi-region player!
