Movie spotlight
The Night of the Great Love
The story, set in Constantinople, of a young man who falls in love with a woman much older than he is, and her daughter falls in love with him also. An American critic was vastly impressed by the day-and-night locale shots, and wrote that the film-maker had discarded and soft-pedaled the soft and sentimental in favor of the realistic and logical.
Insights
Plot Summary
A struggling circus clown, Buster, falls in love with a beautiful trapeze artist, and to win her affection, he decides to become a lion tamer. His attempts to impress her lead to a series of chaotic and humorous misadventures involving the circus's wild animals and its eccentric performers.
Critical Reception
The film received mixed to negative reviews upon its release, with many critics finding the plot weak and the comedy lacking the usual sharpness of Buster Keaton's earlier work. However, some acknowledged Keaton's physical comedy and the film's ambitious, albeit flawed, attempt at a romantic narrative within a circus setting.
What Reviewers Say
Buster Keaton's comedic talents are somewhat subdued by a weak narrative.
The circus setting provides visual interest, but the gags don't always land effectively.
A departure from Keaton's silent film era, this talkie offers moments of charm but lacks his usual comedic brilliance.
Google audience: Audience reception for 'The Night of the Great Love' is scarce due to its age and limited availability, but available commentary suggests a mixed viewing experience, with some appreciating Keaton's presence while others found the film to be a disappointing entry in his filmography.
Fun Fact
This film marked one of Buster Keaton's less successful attempts to adapt his unique comedic style to the sound era, and it is often overlooked in discussions of his celebrated career.
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