Blood and Sand [Blu-ray]

Director: Fred Niblo, Dorothy Arzner Fred Niblo

Overview

Juan Gallardo (Rudolph Valentino) is a shoemaker who becomes a national hero by way of his prowess as a matador in this drama. His success wins the heart of Carla (Lila Lee), who marries the charismatic bullfighter. Juan soon falls for Do?a Sol (Nita Naldi), a wanton widow with a penchant for passion. Carla learns of the affair but vows to stand by her man. Juan is mortally gored by a bull when he sees Do?a Sol in the crowd with another man. He is taken to the chapel at the stadium where he suffers in agony from his fatal distraction. Perennial villain Walter Long turns in another fine performance as the heavy Plumitas. Valentino failed to attend the premiere of the film when he believed the studio cut corners on the production cost. Judicious editing by Dorothy Arzner saved the studio a fortune by filming in the studio instead of in Madrid as originally planned. Arzner went on to become the most prominent female director of the 1930's.

Product Details

Release Date:	02/11/2020
UPC:	0738329243333
Original Release:	1922
Rating:	NR
Source:	Kino Classics
Region Code:	A
Language:	English
Time:	1:44:00
Sales rank:	32,526

Special Features

Audio Commentary by film historian Anthony Slide; Booklet essay by Donna Hill, author of Rudolph Valentino: The Silent Idol; Film introduction by Orson Welles; Original theatrical trailer; Footage of Valentino's funeral procession; Parody film starring Will Rogers; Audio recording of the Love Theme: "You Gave Me Your Heart" (Susan Rogers - Soloist)

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Rudolph Valentino	Juan Gallardo
Lila Lee	Carmen
Nita Naldi	Doña Sol
Walter Long	Plumitas
George Field	El Nacional
Rosa Rosanova	Senora Augustias
Leo White	Antonio
Charles Belcher	Don Joselito
Jack Winn	Potaje
Mane Marstini	El Camacione
Gilbert Clayton	Garabato
Harry Lamont	El Pontelliro
George Periolat	Marquise de Guevera
Fred Becker	Don Jose
Sidney De Grey	Dr. Ruiz
Dorcas Matthews	Senora Nacional

Technical Credits

June Mathis

Fred Niblo	Director,Producer
Jesse Lasky	Producer
June Mathis	Screenwriter
Dorothy Arzner	Director

Editorial Reviews

Although modern audiences may tend to scoff at Rudolph Valentino because of the caricature of him as a Latin lover that has passed into the cultural mainstream, a viewing of Blood and Sand confirms that Valentino was actually a skilled and resourceful actor. Granted, silent film acting has its own vocabulary, and it may at times seem somewhat alien to 21st century viewers. Still, those willing to make an attempt should be amply rewarded with the scorching heart throb's performance in Blood. There's much more nuance here and a greater range than one may expect, and Valentino is unafraid to explore new dramatic avenues; more importantly, he is fully committed to the choices he makes. And most important, Valentino simply has "it," an innate sex appeal that spills across the screen. This is especially true in his sequences with Nita Naldi, who brings her own vampish sensibility to the proceedings; together, the two create a picture of a rather sick relationship that is bold and alluring. Much of Blood is dated, including its misogynistic views and its tendency to excuse the desires of men by implying that they are made impure by impure women. And Blood would have been more effective with a more imaginative director than Fred Niblo, whose camera rarely moves and who lacks the fire that his stars bring to the picture.