Blood and Sand

MOVIE DESCRIPTION:

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 Dona 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 Dona Sol with another lover. His attention distracted, a furious bull charges him and he is killed, dying in the arms of Carmen. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

DVD FEATURES:

• Number of Discs: 1
• Screen: Black and White
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 (Pre-1954 Standard)
• Audio: PCM Stereo

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Cast:

  
       Rudolph Valentino - Juan Gallardo
       Lila Lee - Carmen
       Nita Naldi - Dona Sol
       George Field - El Nacional
       Walter Long - Plumitas
       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
       Dorcas Matthews - Senora Nacional

• Director:

  Fred Niblo

• Screenwriter:

  June Mathis

• Book Author:

  Vicente Blasco Ibanez

• Play Author:

  Tom Cuching

• Cinematographer:

  Alvin Wyckoff

• Editor:

  Dorothy Arzner

• Presented by:

  Jesse Lasky

REVIEW:

• 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. ~ Craig Butler, Rovi