4 Devils (lost F. W. Murnau drama film; 1928): Difference between revisions

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''4 Devils'' was one of renowned director F.W. Murnau's final films, detailing the lives of four trapeze performers who were orphaned as children. The film was released in both silent and sound versions under close supervision by production company Fox Films, which limited Murnau's artistic freedom. It was a failure at the box office but was met with many glowing reviews.
'''''4 Devils''''' was one of renowned director F.W. Murnau's final films, detailing the lives of four trapeze performers who were orphaned as children. The film was released in both silent and sound versions under close supervision by production company Fox Films, which limited Murnau's artistic freedom. It was a failure at the box office but was met with many glowing reviews.


Neither the sound nor the silent version of ''4 Devils'' is found. Some speculate that one of the film's actresses, Mary Duncan, borrowed the only surviving copy and never returned it to 20th Century Fox. She reportedly misplaced it, though some suspect that her heirs may have found it.  
Both versions of ''4 Devils'' are lost. Some speculate that one of the film's actresses, Mary Duncan, borrowed the only surviving copy and never returned it to 20th Century Fox. She reportedly misplaced it, though some suspect that her heirs may have found it.  


A slideshow of ''4 Devils'' was included as a special feature on ''Sunrise's" out-of-print DVD release in 2003. It featured the script played out in its entirety, with rare production photos and vocal narration to accompany it. This special feature has been uploaded to YouTube, which can be found in the source list below.
A slideshow of ''4 Devils'' was included as a special feature on ''Sunrise'''s out-of-print DVD release in 2003. It featured the script played out in its entirety, with rare production photos and vocal narration to accompany it.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
These are some of the rare photographs taken during and around the time of production.
{{#ev:youtube|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJu5_5zIAhM|320x240|center|2003 featurette from ''Sunrise''.|frame}}
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<gallery mode=packed heights=230px>
File:4Devils1.jpg
File:4Devils1.jpg
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</gallery>


==Sources==
==External Links==
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJu5_5zIAhM 2003 Special Feature on ''Sunrise'' DVD]
*[http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9C04E1DD173EE73ABC4C53DFB6678383639EDE New York Times review of the film dating back to 1928]
*[http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9C04E1DD173EE73ABC4C53DFB6678383639EDE New York Times review of the film dating back to 1928]
*[http://www.classicfilmpreview.com/greatest-lost-film/ Classic Film Preview article about the film]
*[http://www.classicfilmpreview.com/greatest-lost-film/ Classic Film Preview article about the film]
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[[Category:Lost films]]
[[Category:Lost films]]
[[Category:Historic]]
[[Category:Historic]]
[[Category:Silent Era]]
[[Category:Pre Code]]

Revision as of 23:18, 14 January 2017

4devils filmprogrammetitle.png

Title page of F.W. Murnau's 4 Devils Danish film programme.

Status: Lost


4 Devils was one of renowned director F.W. Murnau's final films, detailing the lives of four trapeze performers who were orphaned as children. The film was released in both silent and sound versions under close supervision by production company Fox Films, which limited Murnau's artistic freedom. It was a failure at the box office but was met with many glowing reviews.

Both versions of 4 Devils are lost. Some speculate that one of the film's actresses, Mary Duncan, borrowed the only surviving copy and never returned it to 20th Century Fox. She reportedly misplaced it, though some suspect that her heirs may have found it.

A slideshow of 4 Devils was included as a special feature on Sunrise's out-of-print DVD release in 2003. It featured the script played out in its entirety, with rare production photos and vocal narration to accompany it.

Gallery

2003 featurette from Sunrise.

External Links