The Bridge of San Luis Rey
US (1929): Drama
The first of two filmed versions of Thornton Wilder's 1927 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Bridge of San Luis Rey begins at the end. The titular bridge, which stands in 18th-century Peru, collapses, killing five people. The natives believe that the bridge's destruction was the result of divine intervention. Using this as a cue, the film flashes back on the lives of the five victims, allowing the audience to determine whether or not their deaths were deserved. Top-billed as a wanton Spanish dancer/courtesan is Lily Damita, who later gave up her career to become the first wife of Errol Flynn. Originally a silent film, The Bridge of San Luis Rey was hastily fitted with an opening and closing reel of dialogue to take advantage of the "all-talkie" craze of 1929. Charles Brabin directs; other cast members include Ernest Torrence, Raquel Torres and Henry B. Walthall. -- Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
The only surviving print is silent, housed in the George Eastman House, Rochester, NY.
1 nomination, 1 Award
· Best Interior Decoration 1928-29: Cedric Gibbons