A Few Words About A few words about...™ The Informer (1929) -- in Blu-ray (1 Viewer)

[Robert Harris]

This one was a discovery film for me.

Although I've always been a fan of Mr. Ford's 1935 The Informer, with the brilliant Victor McLaglen, as Gypo Nolan, I was unaware that there was a 1929 UK version, based upon the same source novel by Liam O'Flaherty.

Directed by Arthur Robison, the film follows essentially the same story line, inclusive of the church sendoff with the victim's mother, but is offered by Kino in two different flavours - sound, and silent, with occasional dialogue.

I prefer the silent, which also happens to have received a restoration.

For those who may also be unaware, it's an eye-opener.


Image - 4.5

Audio - n/a

Pass / Fail - Pass

Recommended

RAH

 

[Dick]

I'm glad of this, and should receive it within a week. I also like the Ford version, but I just don't see WAC doing a restoration of it anytime soon -- hasn't the popularity of KONG or the Lewton's, etc.. The film always looked awful on laser and DVD as it was an early RKO. Don't know if an ON is in existence. In the meanwhile, this silent edition should be satisfying.

 

[bujaki]

@Robert Harris , your auto correct strikes again. The director of this fine version of The Informer is Arthur Robison, no "n." I saw this film (silent version) in the '70s courtesy of Bill Everson. I've been an outspoken fan of it ever since. The sound version is an interesting curio. I viewed the British release of this disc, not the Kino, and I hated the music over the silent version.

 

[PMF]

Although I've always been a fan of Mr. Ford's 1935 The Informer[...]
I was unaware that there was a 1929 UK version[...]

Can't wait to see this one.
Now, if only Kino could pair it with Ford's version in a future release.

 

[battlebeast]

I wish it was the 1935 version... :/