THE EAGLE (1925) - ♦♦♦♦♦

Directed by - Clarence Brown

Written by - George Marion Jr., Hanns Kraly (based on a story by Alexander Pushkin)

Starring - Rudolph Valentino

"Russian cossack officer Dubrovsky is promptly branded a deserter after he refuses the attentions of the czarina. On the eve of his dismissal, he receives a letter from his father telling him to plead the same czarina for help after a neightbour stole his estate. After his father dies on the day of his return, he swears revenge on the man who stole his fortune – unfortunately he also falls for his enemy’s daughter. A great period drama which is now renowned for being one of the best vehicles for arguably Hollywood’s first true cinematic male sex symbol. In this film, in fact, Valentino oozes charisma, portraying what seems to be an alternative Robin Hood period drama adventures that also seems to be, in structure, the perfect example of the type of Valentino adventurous melodrama of the time. Romantic, exciting and quirky, this is very entertaining silent cinema with some nice charming visual touches by director Clarence Brown."

Adventure, USA