Gypsy Blood on AllMovie

The Ernst Lubitsch/Pola Negri version of Prosper Merimee's Carmen was filmed in Germany in 1918, but not released in the U.S. until the Spring of 1921. It sticks closely to the novel's plot -- La Camencita, a cigarette girl and smuggler (Negri), is loved by soldier Don Jose Navarro (Harry Liedtke). He gives everything up, including his sweetheart and his honor, for this woman, who tosses him off and goes after a matador. When she refuses to return to him, Don Jose stabs her to death outside the bull ring. According to Negri's autobiography, the film's press showing took place in Germany in November 1918, shortly before the Armistice, and a battle was being fought so close by that gunshots could be heard outside the screening room.