DER MÖRDER DIMITRI KARAMASOFF by Fjodor Ozep

[Arndt]

I have finally had the opportunity to see this legendary film. It is an absolute delight - a competent early talkie with the totally unchained camera and visual exuberance of late German silents. Fritz Kortner is effectfully larger than life as the doomed Mitja Karamasoff. He always manages to convey pent-up energy and aggression so well (cf. HINTERTREPPE and DIE BÜCHSE DER PANDORA). Fritz Rasp is at his most despicable as the slimy butler Sverdjakoff. It is remarkable what this man can do with a slight shifting of the jaw.
But Anna Sten as Grushenka - now there's glory! She certainly gives Marlene Dietrich a run for the money in this role. Why ever did she not make it in Hollywood?
The film is fast-paced and enjoyably doom-laden. The score by Karol Rathaus blows you away. But it is the camera work and editing that are most astonishing. A real cracker of an early talkie. A definite classic!

[Harlett O'Dowd]

But Anna Sten as Grushenka - now there's glory! She certainly gives Marlene Dietrich a run for the money in this role. Why ever did she not make it in Hollywood?

As Cole Porter noted:

"If Sam Goldwyn can with great conviction / Instruct Anna Sten in diction / Then Anna shows / Anything goes."

But your film sounds like the real deal. I'd love the chance to see it some day.

[Arndt]

Thanks for supplying the quotation - I was not aware that she featured in the song. Strangely enough she speaks German very competently in KARAMASOFF, with only the slightest hint of a Russian accent.

[moviepas]

Was this a screening or a DVD? Thanks