Year: 1926
Director: Alan Crosland
Country: US
Language: N/A
Don Juan was a historically significant film for many reasons. In regards to the advancement of technology was the first feature-length movie to be released with a Vitaphone score and sound effects, which makes it a "sound" film but not necessarily a "talkie". It also reunited John Barrymore and Mary Astor, who had worked so well together in previous pictures, most notably Beau Brummel (1924)
Don Juan romances his way across Europe until he ends up in Rome and runs into something completely different: a nice girl (Mary Astor). Unfortunately, she is promised to another man, so sift action must be taken.
The Don Juan character first appeared in print in 1630, the anti-hero of the play The Seducer of Seville. It was a tragedy destined to be produced by Hollywood. Considered a "prestige picture", this film was given a pretty high budget and had the special attention of the studio.It was directed very well under Alan Crosland (The Jazz Singer). Under Crosland's direction Don Juan moves swiftly and is cut, photographed & edited in a precise manner.
Unfortunately where the film lacks is John Barrymore's acting, He chews the scenery a little to much to the point that his over-acting becomes unintentionally comedic. His exaggerations are great when there are actually comedic scenes, but not so much for the serious parts.Mary Astor plays her role well though, even if the script doesn't give much for her to do. She is more restrained than Barrymore and thus contributes a far more consistent tone to the film.
Though the writing is a bit poor and we need less of Barrymore, I must say that the sets, costume design, and cinematography are pretty well done.It's doesn't have the best message when it comes to issues of feminism (Don Juan can be impure, but his lady MUST be 100% clean) but it still is entertaining enough to watch once.
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