Film Review
In one of his most ambitious and greatest films, D.W. Griffith skilfully combines melodrama
and historical political intrigue to create one of the most spectacular and poignant of
films of the silent era of American cinema. Real-life sisters Lillian and Dorothy
Gish play the two orphans of the title, bringing pathos and a sense of realism to a moving
(albeit far-fetched) story of two innocents who get caught up in the turbulent events
of the French Revolution.
Some brilliantly choreographed crowd scenes and convincing period exteriors give
the film a breathtaking sense of scale, although these do not detract greatly from the
central narrative, which is carried by some exceptional performances. In addition
to the aforementioned Gish sisters, Joseph Schildkraut makes an emblematic and likeable
hero as the Chevalier de Vaudrey whilst Lucille La Verne turns in an amazing performance
as the thoroughly vile hag Mother Frochard. Even minor characters are well played
and evoke sympathy, giving the film its rich composition, nearer to Grand Opera or a great
work of literature than a conventional piece of cinema.
The central storyline
is taken from a popular 19th century French play, although D.W. Griffith made a number
of changes, notably moving the latter part of the story into the early stages of the French
Revolution to crank up the drama and also to allow him to indulge in some bouts of social
moralising and historical re-interpretation (Danton is apparently the French version of
Abraham Lincoln). Apart from Griffith's muddled, and at time irritating, political
commentary, the film's only real weakness is the inclusion of certain scenes which, whilst
providing background to the Revolution, have very little to do with the main story.
All those scenes with Danton and Robespierre feel painfully intrusive and belong in a
separate film.
These faults aside,
Orphans of
the Storm is a monumental work that is both enjoyable to watch and a fine example
of the art of filmmaking. Despite its momentous background and epic scale, the film
doesn't allow us to lose sight of the individuals who make up the narrative. After
all, history is not made by events, but by people living those events. The film's
dramatic and poignant ending shows not just Griffith's creative flair as a cineaste, but
also his profound compassion for human beings and an overriding preoccupation with social
justice. He may not always be subtle, but he is sincere.
Orphans
of the Storm is probably his most worthy film.
© James Travers 2007
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Next D.W. Griffith film:
Abraham Lincoln (1930)
Film Synopsis
18th century Paris. An aristocratic woman is forced to abandon her infant daughter
on the steps of a cathedral. The child, Louise, is found by a man who takes her
home and rears her with his own daughter, Henriette. Years pass and the two girls
grow into handsome young women, but an outbreak of plagues robs them of their parents
and Louise of her sight. In the hope of finding a doctor to restore Louise's sight,
the two girls set out for Paris. On the way, Henriette is abducted by the lecherous
Marquis de Praille and taken to a bawdy party. Meanwhile, Louise falls prey to the
old hag Frochard, who intends to force her to beg for money. With the support of
the Chevalier de Vaudrey, a kindly young aristocrat, Henriette begins her search for her
missing sister, just as Paris erupts into a violent and bloody revolution…
© James Travers
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.