MGM
Directed by Benjamin Christensen
My rating: 2.5 stars out of 4
IMDb
(DVD, Warner Archive Collection)
A superb performance by Lon Chaney as the Russian peasant Sergei can't hide the fact that this is a predictable, melodramatic story. He guides a Russian princess disguised as a peasant to safety, but in the process falls in love with her. While she is grateful for his help, once her true identity is revealed that is the end of it. However, Chaney can't dismiss his feelings so easily, resulting in a slow build-up of frustration. Goaded by the house cook and his reason clouded by alcohol, he takes advantage of an uprising in the palace to confront her, which is both poignant and tragic.
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