Ebb Tide (1922)

movie

(23)

Country: USA
Genres: Adventure, Drama
Release: 1922-12-04
Director: George Melford
Writers: Lorna Moon , Lloyd Osbourne , Robert Louis Stevenson , Waldemar Young
Language: None | English
Stars: Lila Lee , James Kirkwood , Raymond Hatton , George Fawcett , Noah Beery , Jacqueline Logan , George O’Brien (1899–1985)
Runtime: 80 min
Awards: N/A
AKA: Sydhavsøens Hersker (Denmark) , Ebb Tide (United States of America) , Ebb Tide
Plot: Just to correct errors in the above review: (1) Stevenson and Osbourne wrote EBB TIDE: A TRIO AND QUARTETTE together; it was not "finished" by Osbourne, as it was completed and published well before the death of RLS; (2) the novel is far from "dull," as it is one of the most stunningly descriptive prose works ever written by RLS. I've read the first edition, which may make quite a difference. I also happen to be one of the last RLS scholars alive, whose comprehensive book on RLS, his works, and all the films made from them, has been in print since 1994 (and recommended highly by several now-deceased Scottish literary historians). This early adaptation definitely has its problems, but so does the 1937 Paramount adaptation. The 1922 EBB TIDE has the benefit of starring the inimitable Donald Crisp, not only an incredible actor, but a prolific director in his own right. And there is plenty of booze in the novel, as there is in many a Stevenson story. THE STRANGE CASE OF DR. JEKYLL & MR. HYDE was inspired by the alcoholic death of one of the author's tragic young friends. It is very difficult to locate a copy of this 1922 EBB TIDE, but it is well worth seeing, especially if you have read the novel. As Stevenson became older (only to die at age 44) and more ill, his prose became even more elegant, spurred in part by his longing for a Scotland he never would see again, as he roamed the South Seas, hoping to find a climate that would extend his precarious, blood-soaked existence!
IMDB:tt0013095