White Shadows in the South Seas
US (1928): Drama/Romance/Silent with talking sequences, music & sound effects
Matthew Lloyd (Monte Blue) has drifted away from a respectable career as a physician, and lives a mediocre existence in a Polynesian island. There, pearl-trader Sebastian (Robert Anderson) and his associates recklessly exploit the natives working for them as divers. After witnessing the appalling consequences of "civilization" on the local population, Matthew vehemently condemns Sebastian's greed and ruthlessness. Sebastian, however, will not shy away from any means to crush opposition to his activities. Robert J. Flaherty directed the early shooting of this film, but W.S. Van Dyke took over and received the sole directing credit. (IMDb)
This was MGM's first sound picture, and premiered in Hollywood at Sid Grauman's Chinese Theater on Friday, 3 Aug 1928. Because there were no sound facilities in Hollywood, Douglas Shearer took the completed silent film to New Jersey, where he added a synchronized music score and sound effects.
1 nomination, 1 Award
· Best Cinematography 1928-29: Clyde DeVinna