I finally got my Talmadge DVD's on Friday evening. I watched
"HER NIGHT OF ROMANCE" and loved it. Couldn't stop smiling for the first 30 minutes or longer. Very funny, charming film. And nothing like
HER SISTER FROM PARIS (which I had already seen) either. I have no idea what that guy was thinking when He said that these films were so much alike in his review. The only similarity is that both have Constance and Ronald Colman. Other than that the story-lines are entirely different, though equally delightful. I personally enjoyed
HER NIGHT OF ROMANCE even more among the two. Although the music is Piano, it is a very good piano score, that fit the mood of the film nicely.
Constance Talmadge was a brilliant comedienne, but she was also an excellent and multi-faceted actress. So darned cute on screen. Her and Colman compliment each other so well. Supporting cast is lively, and fun. Direction by Sidney Franklin I found to be first rate. I really like this guys movies. The hefty guy who played the father was a real Hoot. Jean Hersholt is always good, though He has little to do here. This film alone is worth the purchase price and than some.
I watched the first 15 minutes or so of
KIKI, and I agree that the transfer is better. Sharper and crisper, than what we had seen before. The music is rather disappointing. I liked my own compiled score much better. Starts out OK, but than there are long gaps, where nothing is being played. Killing the funny title cards, pacing, and pantomime of those scenes. I'll finish watching, and hope that the music improves. Haven't seen Norma's
WITHIN THE LAW yet. Will try to get to that soon.
I hope that TCM will pick up
HER NIGHT OF ROMANCE. it is a real charmer, and deserves some exposure. A wonderful romantic comedy. There are times when
Connie and Norma look very much alike. You can see that they are sisters by their facial expression and gestures. But most of the time, it's almost invisible, and they bare very little resemblance to each other on camera. Kind of strange.
Pivtari,
It's wonderful seeing how much you enjoyed the Constance films. She was clearly the Proto-type for Marion Davies later comedic persona. At least in my opinion. Her and Marion were close friends for many years. These DVD's serve as barely barely an introduction to the The Talmadge Sisters. I have seen several more of their films. would adore having restored versions of
THE LOVE EXPERT, EAST IS WEST (Long Lost, Being Restored), THE DUCHESS OF BUFFALO, SMILIN' THROUGH, THE DOVE, and what ever else Kino can manage to get it's hands on.
Norma and "Dutch" just lounging around. (Those Girls Had Nice Legs.)
Incidentally,
"A WOMAN DISPUTED" is screening the San Francisco Silents Festival this year. Norma's final Silent film. People who have seen this movie describe it as one of the finest Unknown silents. A very strong movie that deserves a major DVD release.
Norma Talmadge and Gilbert Roland from "WOMAN DISPUTED" (United Artists, 1928)