Strayer's Film.... But Von Stroheim's Performance Dominates

Erich von Stroheim is the captain of an Austrian border guard. One day American gangster Leslie Fenton crashes through from Italy and is detained. Wera Engels is likewise detained on her way from Hungary to the United States. Soon a triangle develops among the three of them.

There are claims that von Stroheim co-directed this without credit. Well, Perhaps. Von was famous for taking over any production he was appearing in, and his role is his standard lecherous officer that he had been playing since the First World War. In fact, except for the streak of sadness, it's almost identical with his performance in the second half of GRAND ILLUSION minus the back brace. Although he may have directed the bits where Hank Mann plays his orderly, official director Frank Strayer was one of those efficient B directors with a knack for comedy, broad and subtle. Just as Renoir would with his masterpiece, I'm sure Strayer was happy to let Von do whatever he wanted. However, von Stroheim was done as a director, and would shortly be on his way to Europe. The result is a sprightly comedy of lust under the production code, enlivened by von Stroheim's performance and the echoes of his aristocratic perverts.

The comedy genre refers to a category of entertainment that aims to amuse and entertain audiences by using humor, wit, and comedic situations. Comedies are created with the primary intention of eliciting laughter and providing lighthearted enjoyment. They encompass a wide range of styles, tones, and themes, appealing to various tastes and audiences.

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The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

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The romance genre features the theme of romantic relationships and emotional connections between characters. These stories focus on the development of love, desire, and intimacy between protagonists, often exploring the challenges, conflicts, and triumphs that arise in their relationships.

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An Austrian officer must face up to the good and evil aspects of his own personality as he becomes involved in a war.

Erich von Stroheim, Wera Engels, and Leslie Fenton in Fugitive Road (1934)

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Erich von Stroheim, Leslie Fenton, and Hans Fuerberg in Fugitive Road (1934)

Erich von Stroheim and Wera Engels in Fugitive Road (1934)

Erich von Stroheim, Wera Engels, Florence Enright, Leslie Fenton, and Harry Holman in Fugitive Road (1934)

Fugitive Road

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