Blood and Sand

Director: Fred Niblo, Dorothy Arzner Fred Niblo

Overview

Both animal and human nostrils flare, and passion reigns in this classic romantic tragedy with Rudolph Valentino. Valentino is Juan Gallarde, an aspiring bullfighter, married to his loving childhood sweetheart Carmen (Lila Lee). But as his fame rises as a matador, so does his hot Spanish blood, and he succumbs to the passionate embraces of the sultry Doña Sol (Nita Naldi). When Juan is gored by a bull, his bullfighting fame is cut short, and Carmen returns to his side to nurse him back to health, and, as he struggles to regain his strength and make a comeback in the bullring, Carmen is there for him. At last he returns to the bullring, but in the stands, Juan sees Doña Sol with another lover. His attention distracted, a furious bull charges him and he is killed, dying in the arms of Carmen.

Product Details

Release Date:	02/11/2020
UPC:	0738329243326
Original Release:	1922
Rating:	NR
Source:	Kino Classics
Region Code:	A
Sound:	[Dolby Digital Stereo]
Language:	English
Time:	1:44:00
Sales rank:	51,299

Special Features

Audio Commentary by film historian Anthony Slide; Filmed 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

Scene Index

Disc #1 -- Blood and Sand
255. Chapters
1. Chapter 1 [9:27]
2. Chapter 2 [13:11]
3. Chapter 3 [8:31]
4. Chapter 4 [8:55]
5. Chapter 5 [8:00]
6. Chapter 6 [7:25]
7. Chapter 7 [13:03]
8. Chapter 8 [8:42]
9. Chapter 9 [18:12]
10. Chapter 10 [8:35]
11. Chapter 11 [:01]

Menu

Disc #1 -- Blood and Sand
   Play
   Extras
      Theatrical Trailer
      Introduction by Orson Welles
      Valentino's Funeral Procession
      Parody Starring Will Rogers
      "You Gave Me Your Heart"
   Setup
      Audio
         Monto Alto Motion Picture Orchestra
         Commentary by Anthony Slide

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.

All Movie Guide - Craig Butler