Muni's debut.
A big of overacting.
The main reason to see "The Valiant" is because it's Paul Muni's first movie role. He's pretty good in the story and earned an Oscar nomination for this film, though I was surprised that they made a movie out of a play that closed after the opening night!
When the story begins, a guy (Muni) shoots and kills someone...and then turns himself in to the police. He freely admits he killed the guy and said the victim deserved it...but he also steadfastly refuses to tell anyone his real identity. Later, the woman who is possibly his sister comes to the prison to see him.
In addition to Muni's Oscar nomination, the film also received a nomination for Writing. This is interesting because when seen today, the film is awfully schmaltzy...too much so. Plus the ending really didn't make a ton of sense, as no woman could be THIS clueless. But back in 1929, this sort of thing was more acceptable. Additionally, some of the acting is pretty over the top...not Muni...but a couple others.
So should you watch it? Well, if you are an old movie fan or Muni fan, by all means. Otherwise, it's skippable.
A big of overacting.
The main reason to see "The Valiant" is because it's Paul Muni's first movie role. He's pretty good in the story and earned an Oscar nomination for this film, though I was surprised that they made a movie out of a play that closed after the opening night!
When the story begins, a guy (Muni) shoots and kills someone...and then turns himself in to the police. He freely admits he killed the guy and said the victim deserved it...but he also steadfastly refuses to tell anyone his real identity. Later, the woman who is possibly his sister comes to the prison to see him.
In addition to Muni's Oscar nomination, the film also received a nomination for Writing. This is interesting because when seen today, the film is awfully schmaltzy...too much so. Plus the ending really didn't make a ton of sense, as no woman could be THIS clueless. But back in 1929, this sort of thing was more acceptable. Additionally, some of the acting is pretty over the top...not Muni...but a couple others.
So should you watch it? Well, if you are an old movie fan or Muni fan, by all means. Otherwise, it's skippable.