The Devil's Lottery [1932] [DVD] Elissa Landi (actor) Victor McLaglan (actor)
Format: all-region dvd (worldwide) Runtime: 1h18m Quality: Acceptable, 4:3, b/w (see below).
Director Sam Taylor offers an absorbing look into a cross-section of individuals who suffer the effects of sudden wealth (all winners in the Calcutta Sweepstakes). The well-chosen cast work in ensemble. Elissa Landi gives perfect nuance and dramatic weight as a woman of scandal who redefines her life. Her parasite lover (Paul Cavanagh) is appropriately repelling. Victor McLaglen (with his usual loose screw) is spot-on as an annoying prize-fighter, still tied to his mother's apron strings. Alexander Kirkland offers a certain naivety and charm, as the young man who discovers money isn't necessarily liberating. Halliwell Hobbes, who hosts the cast of characters at his English castle, has the insight and integrity to allow his guests to discover "themselves" ..... excellent photography and editing help create worthy Pre-Code screen fare. ~ imdb
The source material was an ntsc recording that had part of the film area flickering across the
top of the image, some over exposure in some scenes and a background hiss. I've done what I can to fix these issues but it's far from perfect but still good for it's age all things considered. |