JohnDoe
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The Most Dangerous Game (1932) - Complete Motion Picture Included
The Most Dangerous Game - Available on DVD
Director: Irving Pichel & Ernest B. Schoedsack
Writer: James Ashmore Creelman
Starring: Fay Wray, Joel McCrea, Leslie Banks, Robert Armstrong, Noble Johnson
“I was thinking of the inconsistency of civilization. The beast of the jungle, killing just for his existence, is called savage. The man, killing just for sport, is called civilized. It's a bit inconsistent, isn't it?” - Doc
General Zarkoff taunts his prey.
Directed by Irvin Pichel (Santa Fe, She) and Ernest B. Schoedsack (King Kong, Mighty Joe Young), adapted for the screen by James Ashmore Creelman (King Kong, The Last Days of Pompeii[/B) and starring Fay Wray ([B]King Kong) and Joel McCrea (Ride the High Country, The Virginian). The plot is simple and effective.
A ship occupied by adventurous souls enters treacherous waters and sinks. The lone survivor is Bob Rainsford (Joel McCrea), a great white hunter from New York who struggles to the shore of a deserted Caribbean Island.
Discovers that he’s not alone, Rainsford staggers towards a misplaced castle occupied by Russian Aristocrat General Zarkoff (Leslie Banks) and Ivan (Noble Johnson) his deaf mute henchman.
Entering the isolated chateau Bob meets drunken Martin (Robert Armstrong) and anxious Eve (Fay Wray), a pair of castaways stranded from an earlier shipwreck. While Martin imbibes in his unbalanced host’s gracious hospitality, Eve suspects foul play.
Unsettled despite the luxurious surroundings the truth of their keeper’s sinister intentions will bring a deadly struggle for survival. Obsessed with the pursuit of prey Zarkoff is searching for an adversary more challenging than wildlife. Now he quenches his primal blood lust stalking the most dangerous game of all, man.
Joel McCrea and Fay Wray turn to the swamp for protection.
John Doe says:
General Zarkoff on the prowel.
Comfortably paced and avoiding quaintness, perhaps slightly limited by the simplicity of its time the jungle adventure atmosphere still snares the audience. There are some violent concepts that surely shocked upon original release. For instance, the head in a jar makes a statement about meaningless trophies.
The venomous black and white cinematography and sheathed lighting substitute rollicking escapism with something more menacing. Sure it works as light entertainment, but lurking in the shadows of subtext is a panther eying fresh meat.
Requiring little script exposition the archetypal 1930’s characters are easily understood letting James Ashmore Creelman hone their purpose in the narrative. The basic storytelling giving modern audiences time to reflect on every nuance and unearth universal truths that may never change.
Performed with the theatrics of the era, Joel McRea made a career out of playing stoic heroes and Fay Wray the damsel in distress. The film is a great example of their iconic work. The macho posturing of Bob and the bygone beauty of Eve viewed through modern eyes offer insight into past social ideals on the bigscreen.
Making his movie debut Leslie Banks (Jamaica Inn, The Man Who Knew Too Much) hijacks the frame as the communist count, his gleefully maniacal portrayal giving the villain an equal presence to his counterpart.
John Doe first saw the film very young and despite making an impression it isn’t until now that he had a repeat screening. Certainly having a mellower impact than the initial viewing all those years ago there is still much that resonates. Worthy of admiration and your time this is all about reacquainting with the foundations of cinema storytelling, No excuses, you can watch the film below.
The Most Dangerous Game - Complete Film
Horrorphile
Screen Adventure
Infognito
Screen Trek
QUOTE ME NO QUOTES!
Actually, a part of me would love to see Tarantino do it!!
But there would have to be a few more bods and lots of gore, of course!
great review JD,
cheers
fog
Alex
Film & TV on DVD
Film & TV on DVD
This isn't one of those older works that feels like it needs to be seen for academic reasons. As matinee entertainment it really is a treat and philosophically leaves you feeling that nothing much has changed in the world since.
Film & TV on DVD
This story has been retold numerous times since but i agree that a modern remake, loyal to the source could be enjoyable if done to excess.
Glad you enjoyed the film and that you liked the review, Thanks.
Film & TV on DVD
Seems we both got the same thing out of the film.