Victory (Silent) (DVD)

Disgusted with the modern world, wealthy Axel Heyst lives the life of a hermit on a remote Caribbean isle. He journeys to civilization one last time to empty his bank accounts. There he encounters the beautiful Alma, on the run from her jealous lover Schomburg. Terrified, she begs Axel to take her back to his island. Despite his professed isolationism, the girl convinces the bitter recluse that she could be "Eve" to his "Adam". Learning of this, Schomburg sends three hired killers to the island. If he can't have Alma, no one can...

Based on a 1915 novel by Joseph Conrad, Victory is adapted for the screen by famed French director Maurice Tourneur (father of Jacques) and scenarist Jules Furthman. The screenwriter, here using the anglicized pen name Stephen Fox, would later be regarded as one of Hollywood's finest for Mutiny on the Bounty (1935), To Have and Have Not (1944), The Big Sleep (1946), and Rio Bravo (1959). At the time, Lon Chaney's was rising because of his acclaimed performance in The Miracle Man (1919). He would soon be catapulted to iconic status with his roles in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923) and The Phantom of the Opera (1925). Wallace Beery also starred in some of the greatest films of the silent era, including The Last of the Mohicans (1920), The Lost World (1925), and Beggars of Life (1928). His fame would only grow after sound was introduced, with unforgettable roles in Min and Bill (1930), The Champ (1931), and Treasure Island (1934). Seena Owen is best remembered as Princess Beloved in D.W. Griffith's Intolerance (1916). Leading man Jack Holt was the father of cowboy actor Tim Holt. Victory was remade three times: in 1930 (as Dangerous Paradise), 1940, and 1996. This version features an original score composed by Don Kinnier.

• silent