The Doorway to Hell (1930) Review: The Good, The Bad & How to Watch

on
  The Doorway to Hell (1930) Review: The Good, The Bad & How to Watch  American Film, Crime, Drama Academy Awards, 1931- Nominee: Best Writing, Original Story The early 1930s in Hollywood were marked by a frantic, electric energy as the industry found its voice—literally. In the middle of this transition, a gritty little gem called The Doorway to Hell slipped into theaters, offering a blueprint for the gangster epics that would soon dominate the silver screen. While it often sits in the shadow of the titans that followed, this film captures a specific, raw moment in cinematic history that feels surprisingly modern even today. More on Wikipedia or Mubi  The Brutal Elegance of The Doorway to Hell  At its heart, the story follows a young gang leader who attempts to trade the chaos of the underworld for a quiet, respectable life. It is a classic American tragedy wrapped in the smoke of a speakeasy. The narrative leans heavily into the irony of a man trying to es...
0

Watch Le Banquet des fraudeurs (1952)

on

 Le Banquet des fraudeurs (1952)
Belgian Film, Crime, Drama, Romance, Thriller
English title: The Smugglers' Banquet

Official Selection

The Smugglers' Banquet (French: Le Banquet des fraudeurs) is a 1952 Belgian crime film directed by Henri Storck. It was entered into the 1952 Cannes Film Festival. The film occupies an important place in the history of Belgian cinema. It was Henri Storck's first full-length fiction work and the first international post-war co-production.

Smugglers, factory workers, and customs agents struggle in an uncertain economy following World War II. 

Back to the fifties, "The European Union is set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between neighbors, which culminated in the Second World War. As of 1950, the European Coal and Steel Community begins to unite European countries economically and politically in order to secure lasting peace. The six founders are Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands." And the movies deal with the disappointment of people who live on a border located on three countries :Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. Neither the smugglers nor the customs officers were smiling when the frontiers disappeared ,in spite of the parades on the street. Neither were the workers:Germany canceled their order (shoes),and the Belgium factory stands in great danger to be relocated abroad ,because Dutch prices are cheaper -their workers' salaries are 10% lower. The scene when the boss walks across his empty workshop with its silent machines and lots and lots of pairs of shoes is revealing.

Not really a documentary, not really a story with stars (the most famous name is Françoise Rosay, who plays only support);although relocation is still a burning question, the movie has not worn well. More on Wikipedia or Mubi

Cannes Film Festival, 1952,- Official Selection 

Full Film (French Language, No sub) 

Comments

Post a Comment