The Last Command

The Last Command is a 1928 American silent drama film directed by Josef von Sternberg and starring Emil Jannings, Evelyn Brent, and William Powell. The film was produced by Adolph Zukor and Jesse L. Lasky and released by Paramount Pictures. It was one of the last major silent films to be released and was nominated for several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Actor for Emil Jannings' performance. The film's success can be attributed to the collaboration between Josef von Sternberg and Emil Jannings, who had previously worked together on films such as The Blue Angel and The Docks of New York.

Background

The Last Command was filmed on location in Hollywood, California, and New York City, with a budget of over $1 million, a significant amount for a silent film at the time. The film's script was written by John F. Goodrich and Herman J. Mankiewicz, based on a story by Lajos Bíró. The film's cinematography was handled by Bert Glennon, who had previously worked on films such as The Covered Wagon and The Ten Commandments (1923 film). The film's cast included Emil Jannings, Evelyn Brent, and William Powell, who were all well-known actors of the time, having appeared in films such as The Blue Angel, The Underworld (1927 film), and The Canary Murder Case.

Plot

The film tells the story of a former Russian general, Sergei Alexander, who becomes a film extra in Hollywood after the Russian Revolution. The general, played by Emil Jannings, is haunted by his past and struggles to come to terms with his new life in America. He becomes infatuated with a young actress, Natacha Dabrova, played by Evelyn Brent, who reminds him of his lost love. The film's plot is a commentary on the Russian Revolution and the Red Army's rise to power, as well as the Hollywood film industry and the treatment of actors during the silent era. The film's themes are reminiscent of other films of the time, such as The Battleship Potemkin and Metropolis (film), which also explored the consequences of revolution and social change.

Release

The Last Command was released in 1928 by Paramount Pictures and was a major commercial success, grossing over $1 million at the box office. The film was released during a time of great change in the film industry, with the introduction of sound film and the decline of the silent era. The film's release coincided with the release of other notable films, such as The Jazz Singer and Wings (1927 film), which also marked the beginning of the end of the silent era. The film's success can be attributed to the performances of its cast, including Emil Jannings, Evelyn Brent, and William Powell, who were all well-known actors of the time, having appeared in films such as The Blue Angel, The Underworld (1927 film), and The Canary Murder Case.

Reception

The Last Command received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising the performances of its cast, particularly Emil Jannings. The film was nominated for several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Actor for Emil Jannings' performance. The film's cinematography, handled by Bert Glennon, was also praised, with many noting the film's use of lighting and composition. The film's themes and plot were also praised, with many noting the film's commentary on the Russian Revolution and the Hollywood film industry. The film's success can be attributed to the collaboration between Josef von Sternberg and Emil Jannings, who had previously worked together on films such as The Blue Angel and The Docks of New York.

Legacy

The Last Command is considered a classic of the silent era and has been preserved by the National Film Registry. The film's influence can be seen in later films, such as Sunset Boulevard and The Player (film), which also explored the themes of the Hollywood film industry and the treatment of actors. The film's cinematography, handled by Bert Glennon, has also been influential, with many noting the film's use of lighting and composition. The film's cast, including Emil Jannings, Evelyn Brent, and William Powell, have all been recognized for their contributions to the film industry, with Emil Jannings being awarded the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in the film. The film's legacy can be seen in the work of other notable directors, such as Alfred Hitchcock and Billy Wilder, who have both cited Josef von Sternberg as an influence. Category:Silent films