The Garden of Allah

By VARIETY STAFF

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Ingram/M-G-M. Director Rex Ingram; Producer Rex Ingram; Screenplay Willis Goldbeck; Camera Lee Garmes, Monroe Bennett, Marcel Lucian; Editor Arthur Ellis; Art Director Henri Menessier
 
Alice Terry
Ivan Petrovich
Marcel Vibert
 

The story [based on Robert Hichens' novel] has body and share of fame behind it to lift it above the usual screen tale. Religious angle is of the monk leaving the monastery to hide his identity, wed and repent, after telling his wife of his transgression so that he returns to the monastery.

Director Rex Ingram uncovered a screen bet in Ivan Petrovich, who, it is reported, was sponsored for the part by Alice Terry. His work throughout is capable. Terry does little emoting and will refresh the memories of those who have viewed her in other releases. Marcel Vibert lends out-standing support to the main pair, with other cast members contributing as expected.

What faults The Garden of Allah has may either be attributed to the making or the cutting. No question that in certain passages the story becomes dull as it pauses.

At odd moments, some of the photography is beautiful as regards desert scenes. Yet the sandstorm, the kick of the play, doesn't impress here as much more than a flurry.

Silent. (B&W) Available on VHS. Extract of a review from 1927. Running time: 96 MIN.