Dolores Costello & George O'Brien in Michael Curtiz' "Noah's Ark" (1928) - w/Noah Beery & Myrna Loy

Video Description

A prologue shows Noah (Paul McAllister) and his family praising Jehovah after the Great Flood, followed by images of the Tower of Babel and the worship of the golden calf. The film shifts to the modern era on the eve of World War I, where a ruined trader murders the stockbroker who ruined him, symbolizing humanity’s recurring corruption. In 1914, American playboy Travis (George O’Brien) and his friend Al (Guinn “Big Boy” Williams) travel aboard the Oriental Express. When a washed-out bridge collapses, the train derails disastrously. Travis and Al rescue Marie (Dolores Costello), a German performer from a small troupe, aided by Nickoloff (Noah Beery Sr.), a Russian agent who slips his shackles after his escort’s death. The survivors gather in a lodge, where Nickoloff tries to intrude on Marie. Travis intervenes, and their fight is interrupted by French soldiers announcing war. Travis, Al, and Marie escape to Paris, where Travis and Marie fall in love. Al enlists, and Travis—though married—follows. Both men are assigned to separate squads ordered to neutralize a machine-gun nest. Travis throws a grenade into the position, unaware Al had captured it moments before, killing him. Later, Marie is recognized by Nickoloff while performing for troops. He threatens to expose her as a German spy unless she submits to him. When she flees, she is sentenced to execution. Travis, placed on the firing squad, recognizes her just as an explosion collapses the structure above them. Trapped survivors listen as a minister compares the war’s devastation to the ancient Flood. The narrative shifts to biblical times, with actors in dual roles. King Nephilim (Noah Beery Sr.) forces his people to worship the idol Jaghuth, while only Noah’s family remains loyal to Jehovah. Under divine command, Noah and his sons build the Ark. Nephilim orders the sacrifice of the most beautiful virgin; his soldiers seize Miriam (Dolores Costello), handmaiden to Noah. Japheth (George O’Brien) attempts rescue, but is captured, blinded, and set to labor at a stonemill. As Miriam is about to be sacrificed, the Flood begins. Japheth breaks free, finds her in the rising waters, and carries her to the Ark, where his sight is restored. Nephilim claws at the Ark door before it slams on his hand, echoing Nickoloff’s injury. Returning to World War I, rescuers dig out the trapped group, an armistice is signed, and the war ends, suggesting destruction and renewal remain intertwined throughout human history. A 1928 American Black & White part-talkie epic disaster film directed by Michael Curtiz, Darryl F. Zanuck associate producer (uncredited), adaptation by Anthony Coldewey, story by Darryl Francis Zanuck, titles by De Leon Anthony, cinematography by Barney McGill and Hal Mohr, starring Dolores Costello, George O'Brien, Noah Beery, Louise Fazenda, Guinn 'Big Boy' Williams, Paul McAllister, Myrna Loy, Anders Randolf, Armand Kaliz, William V. Mong, Malcolm Waite, Nigel De Brulier, Noble Johnson, and Otto Hoffman. Screen debut appearance of Ward Bond. Released by the Warner Bros. Pictures. John Wayne, Andy Devine and Ward Bond were among the hundreds of extras in the flood scene, but they are not recognizable among the hundreds of other swimmers. Wayne also worked in the prop department for the film. Approximately 7,500 extras worked on the film. During the filming of the climactic flood scene, the 600,000 US gallons (2,300,000 Liters) of water used was so overwhelming that three extras drowned, one was so badly injured that his leg needed to be amputated, and a number suffered broken limbs and other serious injuries, which led to implementation of stunt safety regulations the following year. Dolores Costello caught a severe case of pneumonia. Thirty-five ambulances attended to the wounded. Portions of the movie were filmed at the Iverson Movie Ranch in Chatsworth, California, which later would become famous for appearances in hundreds of movies including John Ford's "Stagecoach" (1939). Most scenes are silent with a synchronized music score and sound effects, in particular the biblical ones, while some scenes have dialogue. In addition to sequences with audible dialogue or talking sequences, the film features a synchronized musical score and sound effects along with English intertitles. The soundtrack was recorded using the Vitaphone sound-on-disc system. Soundtrack Music: "Heart o' Mine" - music by Louis Silvers, lyrics by Billy Rose "Old Timer" - music by Louis Silvers, lyrics by Billy Rose A visually captivating World War I tragic romantic melodrama. A fascinating piece of cinematic history that bridges the gap in Hollywood styles between that of the traditional silent movie spectacle and the then new talking picture. The movie works on an epic scale: trains crash, battles are fought and the massive floods are extremely realistic – because they were real. This film's appeal is to those who can’t look away from a train wreck to enjoy gaudy spectacle.