Laila

The last great Norwegian epic of the silent movie era, Laila (1929)—shot on location in the mountains of Norway—displays the kind of visual sweep and scope that largely disappeared during the early days of stage-bound sound filmmaking. Directed by George Schnéevoigt, a former cinematographer who lensed Carl Theodor Dreyer's initial productions, the film is adapted from a classic Norwegian novel that tells the story of Laila (Mona Mårtenson), a Norwegian orphan raised among the nomadic Lapp people by reindeer-herd owner Aslag (Peter Malberg), alongside Aslag's adopted son Mellet (Henry Gleditsch). Having grown into a beautiful young woman, Laila receives a marriage proposal from Mellet, but she's drawn to an “impossible” romance with “civilized” Norwegian storeowner Anders (Harald Schwenzen), who is also her first cousin. Which aspect of her heritage—Norwegian or Lapp—will win out? The beauty and power of the natural world and the visual contrast between the two peoples—the rugged Lapps with their weather-beaten faces and tangled hair, next to the elegantly dressed and well-mannered Norwegians—give the film larger interest beyond its simple tale. Although little known in general, Laila will be of interest to serious cinema buffs and silent movie fans. Presented with an excellent restoration by the National Library of Norway and a dramatic new piano score by Robert Israel, DVD extras include a booklet with background notes on Norwegian history and culture. Recommended. (S. Axmaker)