The Devil Dancer
US (1927): Drama/Romance/Silent/Lost?
This troubled production built around the personality of notorious "shimmy dancer" Gilda Gray went through two directors -- Al Raboch and Lynn Shore -- before veteran Fred Niblo stepped in and shepherded it to completion. Takla (Gray) is the child of missionaries who die in the Himalayas, leaving the baby to be raised by Tibetan natives. She grows up to be a "Devil Dancer," one who can perform a special dance that will take the curse of the Devil off wrongdoers, like Sada (Anna May Wong), who is buried alive with her lover for her indiscretions. Takla is rescued by English adventurer Stephen Athelstan (Clive Brook), who brings her back to civilization and announces their intention to marry. This doesn't sit well with Athelstan's sister Isabel (Clarissa Selwynne), who has Takla kidnapped by the proprietor (Michael Vavitch) of an Indian dancing troupe. She rejects his romantic advances, but performs with his dancers until her loyal lover tracks her down. (The Samuel Goldwyn Co.; distributed by United Artists) (TV Guide.com)
Highly praised at the time of its release for its exquisite cinematography, especially in the use of light and shadow, it is now among the lost films of the era. (Arne Andersen, IMDb)
1 nomination
· Cinematography 1927-28: George Barnes