BLOOD AND SAND (1922) - ♦♦♦♦

Directed by - Fred Niblo, Dorothy Arzner

Written by - June Mathis (based on the play by Tom Cushing and the novel by Vicente Blasco Ibánez)

Starring - Rudolph Valentino, Lila Lee, Nita Naldi

"Blood and Sand is a silent melodrama about a Spanish bullfighter who becomes a celebrity and experiences the lustful and dark side of fame and fortune, which puts his marriage with the only woman he ever truly loved under jeopardy. 

Much like many silent melodramas, it deals with the issue of morality, a source of major conflict of its central character. Under Fred Niblo's experienced direction, the film still showcases some intensity in the bullfighting sequences, in which editor Dorothy Arzner was actively creatively involved. Much to its credit, the issue of bullfighting also has an underlining hint at protest, and is looked upon slightly unfavourably. 

While some emotive aspects are overplayed and outdated, some of the passionate scenes of lust and temptation are very dense and admirably daring, enhancing the film's sexual charge. Such a sexual charge is also aided by the presence of the legendary Rudolph Valentino, whose intensity and charisma makes him the perfect lead in one of his most memorable turns."

Drama, USA