The Charlatan is a 1929 sound part-talkie film directed by George Melford for Universal Pictures. In addition to sequences with audible dialogue or talking sequences, the film features a synchronized musical score and sound effects along with English intertitles. The soundtrack was recorded using the Western Electric sound-on-film system. The film starred Holmes E. Herbert, Margaret Livingston and Rockliffe Fellowes. The film is based on the 1923 play The Charlatan by Leonard Praskins and Ernest Pascal.[1]
| The Charlatan | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | George Melford |
| Screenplay by | J. G. Hawks[1] Tom Reed |
| Based on | The Charlatan by
|
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | George Robinson |
| Edited by | |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Universal Pictures |
Release date |
|
| Country | United States[1] |
| Languages | Sound (Part-Talkie) English Intertitles |
Plot edit
A wealthy socialite invites a carnival sideshow performer named Count Merlin to entertain her guests at a party. As the night goes on, a murder occurs and a dark secret from Merlin's past is revealed.
Cast edit
- Holmes Herbert - as Count Merlin (aka Peter Dwight)
- Margaret Livingston - as Florence
- Rockliffe Fellowes - as Richard Talbot
- Philo McCullough - as Dr. Paynter
- Anita Garvin - as Mrs. Paynter
- Crauford Kent - as Frank Deering
- Frank Mackaye - as Jerry Starke
- Dorothy Gould - as Ann Talbot
- Rose Tapley - as Mrs. Deering[2]
Production edit
The film was based on the play The Charlatan by Ernest Pascal and Leonard Praskins.[1] The play was adapted by Robert N. Lee with dialogue by Jack Rollens and Tom Reed and intertitled by Reed.[1] Universal designed the film as one of their Jewel Productions for 1929.[2]
Release edit
The Charlatan was released on April 14, 1929, as a part talkie featuring thirty percent of its running time with audible dialogue or talking sequences.[3][unreliable source?] [4] The film had a 60-minute running time with a review in Variety stating that about 15 minutes of the film contained dialogue.[5]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ a b c d e f g "The Charlatan". American Film Institute. Retrieved January 8, 2019.
- ^ a b Workman, Christopher; Howarth, Troy (2016). Tome of Terror: Horror Films of the Silent Era. Midnight Marquee Press. p. 338. ISBN 978-1936168-68-2.
- ^ "Silent Era : Progressive Silent Film List".
- ^ Soister, John T. (2005). Of Gods and Monsters: A Critical Guide to Universal Studios' Science Fiction.
Released 14 April 1929 (as a part-talkie); 60 minutes
- ^ AFI Catalog Entry: https://catalog.afi.com/Film/3250-THE-CHARLATAN
External links edit
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