Ecstasy

Let's be honest here: if you're going to check out this movie, you'll probably be inspired by the opportunity to see a young actress (Hedy Lamarr, here billed as Hedy Kiesler) in the buff, something one didn't often see back in 1933. And yup, she's naked all right, but even if the shots of her hiding behind some trees and bushes while trying to corral a runaway horse aren't exactly what you'd call titillating, Ecstasy is still a rather clever, interesting film. Silent for the first 15 minutes (except for the music, which should be silent), with only occasional snatches of dialogue thereafter, it tells the story of a woman (Lamarr) married to an older man who's a real stiff (except in the way that really counts). After he rejects her on their wedding night, she finds love and lust in the arms of another suitor, with tragic consequences. So much for the storyline; the real attraction here is writer-director Gustav Machaty's masterful use of lighting and camera effects. Definitely recommended. (S. Graham)