Casanova (1927)

Set in 1760's Venice, the renowned philanderer Casanova (Ivan Mosjoukine) enjoys a sumptuous and flirtatious existence until his indiscreet behavior alerts his rivals and forces the the city's authorities to banish him. But before they can, he escapes and heads to Russia. Directed by Alexandre Volkoff, the film is a grandiose and lavish (including a spectacular color sequence during carnival) entertainment and that's all it is. There's not much there other than the opulent visuals and at 2 hours and 40 minutes, it wears thin after awhile. Mosjoukine was a popular Russian silent film star who emigrated to France where he had a successful career. In 1926, he was signed by Universal and came to America but after one film (1927's SURRENDER), he returned to Europe. The film remains of interest because of its technical features but the lack of substance along with its self indulgent length may be off putting to potential audiences. But I love silent cinema so I gave it a pass which I might not have if it had been a sound film. With Suzanne Blanchetti as Catherine the Great, Diane Karenne, Jenny Jugo, Paul Guide and Rudolf Klein Rogge.