Although not much liked when first released -- on either side of the Atlantic -- Black Waters is a fine little chiller that benefits from expert direction by veteran Marshall Neilan, good photography by David Kesson, and choice performances by most of the cast. James Kirkwood, a top star of the early silent era, is especially good as the deranged clergyman, although his trademark black eye-patch telegraphs his evil intentions. On the debit side, silent screen comedian Lloyd Hamilton, in his sound film debut, remains patently unfunny and his constant stammering, meant to be humorous, becomes grating after a while. According to Byron Haskin, the film's production manager, both director Neilan and cinematographer Kesson hit the bottle with such frequency that Haskin actually had to take over a couple of key scenes. If true, Haskin is to be congratulated for helping create one of the more seamless early low-budget talkies.
by Hans J. Wollstein
review
