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The Fall of the House of Usher (1928) - Melville Webber & J.S. Watson Jr.


This American short film of the Edgar Allan Poe story is not as complete or concise as its French predecessor. In fact this storyline seems to be a little more skewed and definitely more experimental. It is really interesting that these movies have been pretty much forgotten. They are really well made and the directors really took some leaps with the camera. While the story is not as well portrayed the avant garde nature makes this film entertaining and original.

I highly recommend this movie to anyone that is going to film school. It is one of the best examples of creativity in the silent era of American cinema. There is virtually a new effect in every scene that tries to drive home the surreal feel of the story, it just becomes a gimmick at one point. Not horrible, just overused.


Director: Melville Webber & J.S. Watson Jr.
Country: USA
Style: Short

Did ya know...
This is one of many adaptations of Edgar Allan Poe's Fall of the House of Usher. Over fifteen! 

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