Uncle Tom's Cabin

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Harry Pollard's epic 1927 version of Harriet Beecher Stowe's landmark novel Uncle Tom's Cabin was one of the most expensive silent films ever made. James B. Lowe, whose composure, dignity, and gentleness suggest a silent-era Danny Glover, stars as kindly Tom, the slave ripped from his family to pay his master's debt, but the film favors the more sensational melodrama of the married light-skinned couple Eliza and George and their son Harry (all played by white performers), split up and sold to the highest bidder. Pollard, a Southerner himself, maintains an uneasy balance between a sentimental portrayal of a happy Dixie with smiling slaves and a land where humans are bought and sold like cattle to wicked, money-grubbing masters. The exaggerated performances and stereotypes have not aged well and Pollard shows a weakness for broad Victorian melodrama, but the film boasts many moving moments and nail-biting sequences, highlighted by Eliza's harrowing escape across the ice floes as hounds literally nip at her heels. (A staple of the many touring stage productions of the play, D.W. Griffith borrowed the scene for the climax of Way Down East.) Uncle Tom's Cabin is more interesting as a product of its era than any serious attempt to explore the evils of slavery, but it's an exciting, handsomely mounted picture. Kino's restored edition features the original Movietone score by Erno Rapee, complete with sound effects and songs.

The DVD also features a detailed and informative essay by historian David Pierce, an extensive collection of stills, promotional materials, and music cue sheets, and details of cuts made to the film, including two deleted scenes that are among the best moments the film has to offer. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

Wow! A Great Silent Film! .......2007-05-18

Ok, this film is like many of the silent era, it takes its story from a novel and retells it in a totally different way. Sometimes it's ok, sometimes it's not. In this film, it is Ok! I had heard that this film wasn't very good and I wasn't going to buy it except that I love the book the story came from. A sale for 50% off prompted me to purchase the DVD. I watched it thinking it wasn't going to be good but "interesting". I ended up loving it! The movie takes the story and gussies it up with exciting scenes and even adding the civil war as an added bonus. Remember, the book basically started the civil war so ther was no hope in the novel. The acting is very good and the movie direction is quite creative. I highly recommend this movie to anyone with interest in silent films and Uncle Tom's Cabin. Don't forget to take a look at two deleted scenes included on the DVD. They involve Topsy's distress over being black and how little value is placed on her humanity. She feels she cannot behave because she is "not good" and making herself white would change that situation.

DON'T USE TO SUPPLEMENT CURRICULUM READING!.......2007-04-21

If you look to utilize this DVD to supplement curriculum, to make the production of the same "come to life" for your lackluster reader, DO NOT USE THIS VERSION OF THE DVD (1927). I love silent films, but for many boys AND girls who are reviewing the book for curriculum, it just won't cut the mustard! You would be better off having them do their own production.

uncle tom's cabin.......2005-10-01

i think this silent movie was excellent,it was close to the novel.great cast.just terrific.

Disappointed.......2005-02-16

This is my first time writing a review. I thought I would give my 2 cents. I ordered the VHS tape and the movie left much to be desired. The acting was horrible. I expected more from Sam Jackson and Rashad, who played Eliza. It reminded me of a play where everyone is waiting for their cue to speak. If you've never read the book, you might find it interesting. Unfortunatley, I regret purchasing it.

Not just for Americans and Historians!.......2004-04-14

I was a little hesitant to order this DVD at first, especially after reading some other reviews and comments about racial issues, but I decided to get it anyway. I'm an Australian living in Sydney so I don't know much about US History or the details of social and racial issues of the US, nor have I ever even heard of the book "Uncle Tom's Cabin" but none of these things prevented me from being deeply moved, impressed and inspired by this film. It has some very heart-wrenching scenes, great suspense, deep emotions and overall extremely good acting. It didn't bother me that some white actors played black roles or that some actors appeared older than their characters because I tend to follow the story and the emotions, ideals and feelings expressed in a film. Another feature that impressed me was the music that suited each scene perfectly, and I have to admit, I was moved to tears by the scene of Topsy crying over the death of Miss Eva while a choral version of Dvorak's New World Symphony Largo played - one of my favourite pieces, but never so deeply moving as in this scene! In my opinion, the musical score added a special touch and extra dimension.I would highly recommend this DVD for all non-Americans, or even to anyone who enjoys a very high quality silent movie because a knowledge of US history or other issues is definitely no prerequisite to enjoying this excellent film!

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