“La Boheme” – By Mae Tinee (Chicago Tribune – July 07, 1926)

“La Boheme” – By Mae Tinee (Chicago Tribune – July 07, 1926)

Chicago Tribune – July 07, 1926 Wednesday, Page 37

“La Boheme”

Produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Directed by King Vidor

Presented at Roosevelt theater

La Boheme - Lillian Gish, Gino Corrado and John Gilbert
La Boheme – Lillian Gish, Gino Corrado and John Gilbert

THE CAST

  • Mimi …………………..…….….. Lillian Gish
  • Rodolphe ………………………John Gilbert
  • Musette …………………….. Renee Adoree
  • Schaunard …………………George Hassell
  • Vicomte Paul ……………….…. Roy D’arcy
  • Colline ………… Edward Everett Horton
  • Benoit ………………….………….. Karl Dane
  • Theater Manager ….….. Frank Courrier
  • Madame Benoit ………. Matilde Comont
  • Marcel ……………….…..….. Gino Corrado
  • Bernard …………….…………. Gene Poujet
  • Alexis …………..……..………….. David Mir
  • Louise ……………………. Katherine Vidor
  • Phemie ………………….. Valentina Vinina
Lillian Gish as Mimi in La Boheme
Lillian Gish as Mimi in La Boheme

La Boheme

By Mae Tinee.

Good Morning!

The tender care of Mr. King Vidor – the man who directed “The Big Parade” – has caused “La Boheme” to blossom most beautifully for the screen. It’s as artistic as can be – even to the extreme limit of permitting the unhappy ending. It is full of “atmosphere” that I imagine it is the real thing – the atmosphere of Paris’ Bohemia.

Here, you know, lived little Mimi, the embroiderer whose touching romance with Rodolphe, struggling to write an acceptable play, has brought joy through the years to music lovers.

Lillian Gish in La boheme as Mimi, promotional photograph web

Miss Gish’s Mimi is a frail and exquisite darling. Her appeal is that of a beloved and wistful child. You are filled with a mighty desire to protect her. You yearn to do something – anything – to bring a smile to  those eyes and lips, and when, toward the end, she becomes so wan and gray with suffering and weakness – it’s almost more than you can stand. The unhappy ending becomes, in a way, a happy one – for certainly the Mimi of Lillian Gish has no business on this mundane sphere. Her place is with the angels.

(LA BOHEME) de King Vidor 1926 USA avec John Gilbert et Lillian Gish retrouvaille, caleche, diligence, cocher, chevaux d'apres le roman de Henri Murger detail

John Gilbert as Rodolphe is a perfectly delightful person. His brilliant pantomime gives the picture the needed touch of humor and lightness, as well as much of its deep and tender colorfulness. He is a great actor – this young chap – which, of course, you know quite as well as I do.

The supporting cast is all that could be wished for, and “La Boheme” has been staged, costumed, and photographed with a true eye to authenticity and effect. Trust Mr. Vidor for that.

The story upholds smoothly – you could almost say melodiously. Your interest never flags a minute, and quick tears and spontaneous smiles pay tribute to a photoplay that is entitled to the most sincere praise and consideration.

King Vidor Lillian Gish and filming team La Boheme
King Vidor Lillian Gish and filming team La Boheme
La Boheme full cast and crew
La Boheme full cast and crew

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