Betrayal (1929 film)
| Betrayal | |
|---|---|
 Lobby card | |
| Directed by | Lewis Milestone |
| Produced by |
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| Written by |
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| Story by | |
| Starring | |
| Music by |
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| Cinematography | Henry W. Gerrard |
| Edited by | Del Andrews |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Paramount Pictures |
Release dates |
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Running time |
80 minutes 8 reels, 6,614 ft |
| Country | United States |
| Language |
Silent, English intertitles |
Betrayal was a 1929 drama film produced for Famous Players-Lasky and released by Paramount Pictures.[1] The film is the last silent film directed by Lewis Milestone,[2] the last silent performance by Gary Cooper,[3] the last silent performance by Germany's Emil Jannings,[4][3] and the only onscreen pairing of Cooper and Jannings.[1] It is considered a lost film.[5]
Background
Filmed on locations near Lake Tahoe, the film was intended to be a "part-talkie" and incorporated talking sequences, synchronized music, and sound effects,[1][6] but because of Jannings's heavy German accent and the poor recording of Ralston's voice, it was released as a silent.[3]
Plot
Swiss peasant girl Vroni (Esther Ralston) is having a secret summer romance with Viennese artist Andre Frey (Gary Cooper). When Andre later returns to Switzerland, he learns that Vroni has been forced to marry wealthy burgomeister Poldi Moser (Emil Jannings). Explaining Andre's appearance, Vroni introduces him as a young man who has just lost his sweetheart, and in sympathy, Poldi invites Andre to be a guest in his house.
Several times over the next few years Andre visits, during which time Poldi and Vroni have two children. Andre is overwrought by his repressed feelings toward Vroni, and after seven years, begs her to run off with him. She refuses, but agrees to one last tryst. While speeding down a dangerous run on a toboggan together, Vroni is killed and Andre fatally injured. Poldi learns the truth of the relationship while attending Vroni's funeral, and swears vengeance but discovers that Andre has died from the severity of his injuries.
Cast
- Emil Jannings as Poldi Moser
- Esther Ralston as Vroni
- Gary Cooper as Andre Frey
- Douglas Haig as Peter
- Ann Brody
- Jada Weller as Hans
- Bodil Rosing as Andre's Mother
- Paul Guertzman
- Leone Lane
References
- 1 2 3 Hal Erickson. "Betrayal". Allmovie. Retrieved 15 April 2011.
- ↑ Joseph R. Millichap (1981). Lewis Milestone. Twayne's Theatrical Arts Series. Twayne Publishers. pp. 16–34. ISBN 0-8057-9281-3.
- 1 2 3 Homer Dickens (1970). The films of Gary Cooper. Volume 335 of Citadel film series. Citadel Press. pp. 8, 66. ISBN 0-8065-0010-7.
- ↑ René Jordan (1974). Gary Cooper. The Pyramid illustrated history of the movies. Pyramid Communications. pp. 41, 144,. ISBN 0-515-03416-9.
- ↑ Jean Arthur. "Betrayal (1928\9)". Gary Cooper Scrapbook. Retrieved 15 April 2011.
- ↑ Carl Bennett. "Betrayal (1929)". The Progressive Silent Film List. silentera.com. Retrieved 15 April 2011.