Blast from the Past: Gary Cooper Career Revisited
Lost Film
Betrayal
Swiss peasant girl Vroni is having a secret summer romance with Viennese artist Andre Frey. When Andre later returns to Switzerland, he learns that Vroni has been forced to marry the wealthy Poldi Moser.
Vroni introduces him as a young man who has just lost his sweetheart, and in sympathy, Poldi invites Andre to be a guest in his house.
Andre visits several times, during which Poldi and Vroni have two children.
After seven years, Andre begs Vroni to run off with him, but she refuses, opting for one last tryst. While speeding down a dangerous run on a toboggan together, Vroni is killed and Andre fatally injured.
Poldi learns the truth of the relationship while attending Vroni’s funeral, and swears vengeance but discovers that Andre has died from his severe injuries.
The film contains a theme song, “Under The Weather,” written by J.S. Zamecnik (music and lyrics). The musical score was prepared by J. S. Zamecnik and interpreted by the Paramount orchestra under the direction of Louis de Francesco.
Shot on locations near Lake Tahoe, the film was intended to be a “part-talkie,” but because of Jannings’s heavy German accent and poor recording of Ralston’s voice, it was released as synchronized film with only music and sound effects.
Cast
Emil Jannings as Poldi Moser
Esther Ralston as Vroni
Gary Cooper as Andre Frey
Douglas Haig as Peter
Jada Weller as Hans
Bodil Rosing as Andre’s Mother
Credits:
Directed by Lewis Milestone
Written by Hanns Kräly; mJulian Johnson (titles)
Story by Victor Schertzinger, Nicholas Soussanin
Produced by Milestone, David O. Selznick
Cinematography: Henry W. Gerrard
Edited by Del Andrews
Music by Louis De Francesco, J.S. Zamecnik
Production company: Famous Players–Lasky
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release dates: April 28, 1929 (NYC); May 11, 1929 (USA)
Running time: 80 minutes (8 reels, 6,614 ft)
