Metropolis (1927)

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153 min – View video trailer

Director: Fritz Lang
Starring: Brigitte Helm, Alfred Abel, Gustav Frohlich

Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi

IMDB 8.4 / Amazon 3.7 / MRQE 93 / Decent Films A
Zagat Overall 27, Acting 22, Story 24, Production 28

Ranked #58 Greatest Movie Through 1960, a Zagat Top Movie, included in 15 of 41 lists of greatest movies

In a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city’s mastermind falls in love with a working class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences. IMDB rating 8.4 from over 58,564 users

Zagat summary snippet: A visionary film of magnitude, imagination and depth. A sci-fi social commentary about oppression and uprising set in a futuristic city that still retains its visual impact and remains revolutionary in every sense of the word. A movie everybody should watch at least once.

Metropolis takes place in the year 2026, when the populace is divided between workers, who must live in the dark underground, and the rich who enjoy a futuristic city of splendor. The tense balance of these two societies is realized through images that are among the most famous of the 20th century, many of which presage such sci-fi landmarks as 2001: A Space Odyssey and Blade Runner. Lavish and spectacular, with elaborate sets, heart-pounding action and modern science fiction style, Metropolis stands today as the crowning achievement of classic science fiction cinema. Amazon 3.7 stars from over 373 users

More important than the story are the unforgettable images: the endless columns of workers marching in nightmarish synch to and from their terrible labor; the monstrous “M” Machine, revealed in a visionary moment to embody the spirit of Moloch, the bloodthirsty deity of Old-Testament Canaan; Freder agonizingly laboring at the clock machine looking like Christ crucified; the mecha-Maria’s lacivious striptease seducing the privileged fathers of Metropolis into the Seven Deadly Sins; the immense gothic cathedral in which the final showdown occurs. Decent Films A rating with 4 stars for Artistic/Entertainment Value

MRQE gave it 93% rating with links to more than 102 reviews

Madison Public Library

The Kid Brother (1927)

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82 mins – view video clips (no trailer found)

Director: Ted Wilde, J.A. Howe
Starring: Harold Lloyd, Jobyna Ralston, Walter James

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Family, Romance, Silent

IMDB 7.8 / Amazon 5.0 / Decent Films A+

Oscars: none

Ranked #87 Greatest Movies Through 1960

When the town’s money is stolen by thugs from the medicine show, Harold’s father is accused, and with encouragement from Mary, Harold sets out to find the real crooks. IMDB 7.8 rating from over 1,842 users

THE KID BROTHER, another geek vs. bullies tale distiguished by some really heartwarming moments and a hilarious scene with a monkey. Amazon 5.0 stars from over 4 users

Not only was Lloyd as gifted a comic actor as either Chaplin or Keaton, his films hold up at least as well — for casual viewers unfamiliar with silent film, probably better. As a first introduction to silent film, I would pick The Kid Brother over the best of Chaplin (Modern Times, City Lights) or Keaton (The General, Steamboat Bill, Jr.) every time. Decent Films A+ with Superior artistic/entertainment value

MRQE links to over 11 reviews

Madison Public Library