by Hal Erickson
synopsis
Based on a story by Anatole France, the silent Crainquebille was updated and directed by Jacques Feyder. Heavily influenced by the then-popular school of German symbolism, the film nonetheless bears traces of the French realism that would dominate the Gallic cinema of the 1930s. This 6-reeler stars child actor Jean Forest, whom Feyder would utilize to even better effect in his follow-up films Visage d'Enfants and Gribiche. The film, an essentially adult effort, is told from Forest's point of view, solidifying Feyder's expertise at directing children. Released in France in 1922, Crainquebille made the international rounds the following year.
characteristics
- High Artistic Quality
- High Historical Importance
- Starting Over
- Redemption
- Survival
- Survivor
- Poverty
- Deprivation
- Prison
- Vagrant
- Tramp
- Transient
- Jail
- Bum
- Brig
