Also saw La Roue(The Wheel) (1923) by master Abel Gance. I expected to be amazed after seeing Napoleon and wasn't disappointed. The basic story is railroad engineer Sisif rescues baby Norma from a train wreck and raises her as his own. 15 years later, both he and son Elie are in love with her, resulting in many plot twists. At 4 and a half hours, it is slow going at times, but a very lovely, symbolic and poetic story. Plus all the great Gance techniques, including rapid montage. Ivy Close is lovely as Norma. It doesn't hurt to see snow scenes in the middle of this sweltering summer! This is a masterpiece, as good if not better than Napoleon. Well worth taking the time to look for.
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