The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1921)

 Rex Ingram's "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse"


Rex Ingram's "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" is widely considered the first anti-war film. In its depiction of the tragic events of World War I, it neither glorifies war nor looks past its losses. It had a huge cultural impact and even became the highest grossing film of 1921. The film also ignited the career of Rudolph Valentino, who would become the typcast actor for the 'Latin Lover' trope. The film was written by June Mathis, whose rose from the success of the film to become one of the most powerful women in Hollywood, only following behind Mary Pickford. The massive popularity allowed its writer, its director, and its stars to skyrocket to national fame.

The film follows Julio, a smooth-talking womanizer, who is the favorite grandson of a rich landowner, Madariaga. The character of Julio sparked the 'Latin Lover' trope that would become famous in Hollywood films at the time. Not only this, but Julio's tango in the film created a craze for the dance. Julio, although he hails from Argentina, is partly French. His very large family also has a German side. After Madariaga's death, his German side decides to move to Germany while Julio leaves for Paris. However, once World War I begins, Julio joins in the French army and must face the rest of his family on the German front. 

The film proved hugely successful to both critics and general audiences alike. Its harrowing depection of a freshly faught war still resonated with an American public who could only hear about the carnage secondhand. During a time in which slapstick comedies ruled in America, a la Charlie Chaplin or Buster Keaton flicks, many were seeking historical epics or intense dramas. Because of this, many critics hailed the film as the next "The Birth of a Nation." Playwright Robert E. Sherwood wrote in 'Life' magazine, "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalyspe is a living, breathing answer to those who still refuse to take motion pictures seriously. Its production lifts the silent drama to an artistic plane that it has never touched before." 



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