Directed by Munich-born Franz Osten and produced by the film's handsome Indian costar Himansu Rai, this visually stunning 1929 silent love story, filmed entirely on location in India, is inspired by the epic poem The Mahabharata. Aptly described by one BBC reviewer as “a fairy tale for adults,” the story revolves around royal cousins and rulers of adjoining kingdoms King Sohat (played by Rai) and King Ranjit (Charu Roy), a pair of reckless gamblers locked in scheming competition for the love of the beautiful maiden Sunita (Seta Devi). Sohat has plotted to disguise an assassination attempt as a tiger-hunting accident, but when the wounded Ranjit is nursed to health by his beloved Sunita, Sohat challenges his cousin to a pivotal throw of dice to determine who will win Sunita as their bride. But Sohat cheats and his ploy is soon discovered, leading to a climactic showdown involving 10,000 extras, 1,000 horses, and 50 elephants. Lovingly restored by the British Film Institute, A Throw of Dice is presented with a newly commissioned, fully orchestrated score by Nitin Sawhney. DVD extras include an interview with Sawhney, a stills gallery, and a booklet with an informative essay by film historian Bruce Bennett. A wonderful discovery for silent-film enthusiasts, this is highly recommended. (J. Shannon)
A Throw of Dice
Kino, 74 min., not rated, DVD: $29.95 Volume 23, Issue 5
A Throw of Dice
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