Mourn if you will lost films; mourn partially lost films that rock the house even more so. Originally about eight hours long, the executives at new film studio MGM (through which Greed was released) demanded that it be cut to be two hours. The cut footage was lost. Furthermore, the remaining footage flopped at the boxoffice. Years later, this footage was preserved, and put on video, but the search for that lost footage continues. This December, a new video release is being put out-remastered and with all gold objects in the film tinted yellow! What a treat to silent movie fans! This was the first silent film I saw, and still one of the best. In fact, most film buffs say that this film is one of the best. Why was it ignored in 1925, then? 1925 was the height of the Jazz Age. Greed is a very depressing movie. Early 20th century woman marries a dentist somewhat against her will and the couple wins $5,000.00. This money causes their friend to become jealous, and the wife tries to hoard the gold and hide it from her husband. After she dies, the estranged widower...I won't give away the ending. =) But such a beautiful, meticulous film, this is. And a great, moving musical score, too. Seek out the remastered version coming out soon, but see it as is now. You'll love this film, and it shows funny girl ZaSu Pitts in a rare dramatic role. She does a fantastic job!
