- Joined
- Feb 8, 1999
- Messages
- 18,433
- Real Name
- Robert Harris
Safe in Hell, a 1931 very pre-code production from filmmaker William Wellman is supposed to look like this.
For decades, this gorgeous black and white production from the lens of Sidney Hickox, whose later work included some of the best known Warner productions - All Through the Night, Gentleman Jim, To Have and Have Not, The Big Sleep, White Heat... you get the picture - was unknown outside of a 16mm print.
A 35 nitrate was located at the LoC, and that is the source of this new Blu-ray, which fortunately still retains its gorgeous black & white palette.
At only 74 minutes, it's a down and dirty tale of prostitution without being told through a filter.
Mordaunt Hall notes in his NY Times review of 19 Dec 1931, "The most accurate criticism, pro and con, was delivered by a couple in the adjoining seats. The young woman wept piteously and the young man reassured her: "It's only a motion picture."
A gift from Warner Archive, starring Dorothy Mackaill and Donald Cook.
Image – 4 (with occasional missing frames)
Audio – 4
Pass / Fail – Pass
Plays nicely with projectors - Yes
Worth your attention - 8
Upgrade from DVD - Yes
Highly Recommended
RAH
Thank you for supporting HTF when you preorder using the link below. As an Amazon Associate, HTF earns from qualifying purchases. If you are using an adblocker you will not see link.
For decades, this gorgeous black and white production from the lens of Sidney Hickox, whose later work included some of the best known Warner productions - All Through the Night, Gentleman Jim, To Have and Have Not, The Big Sleep, White Heat... you get the picture - was unknown outside of a 16mm print.
A 35 nitrate was located at the LoC, and that is the source of this new Blu-ray, which fortunately still retains its gorgeous black & white palette.
At only 74 minutes, it's a down and dirty tale of prostitution without being told through a filter.
Mordaunt Hall notes in his NY Times review of 19 Dec 1931, "The most accurate criticism, pro and con, was delivered by a couple in the adjoining seats. The young woman wept piteously and the young man reassured her: "It's only a motion picture."
A gift from Warner Archive, starring Dorothy Mackaill and Donald Cook.
Image – 4 (with occasional missing frames)
Audio – 4
Pass / Fail – Pass
Plays nicely with projectors - Yes
Worth your attention - 8
Upgrade from DVD - Yes
Highly Recommended
RAH
Thank you for supporting HTF when you preorder using the link below. As an Amazon Associate, HTF earns from qualifying purchases. If you are using an adblocker you will not see link.
Last edited by a moderator:
