The Blue Danube (1928)
A silent-era romance of love, jealousy, and war set against the sweeping backdrop of an Austrian village.
The Blue Danube - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Blue Danube
- Release Year: 1928
- Directed by: Paul Sloane
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Romance
- Runtime: 1h 10m
- Original Language: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 11, 1928 (United States)
- Production Companies: DeMille Pictures Corporation
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Blue Danube - Plot
Marguerite, the beauty of an Austrian village, loves the poverty-stricken Baron Erich von Statzen, although her mother is opposed to the affair, having been made suspicious by the hunchback Ludwig, who is smitten by Marguerite's charms and insanely jealous of Statzen. Statzen's uncle would have him marry Helena Boursch, the local brewer's daughter, to save his dwindling estate. Ordered to the front when war is declared, Statzen is forced to leave without saying goodby to Marguerite.
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The Blue Danube - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Paul Sloane
Main Cast
- Leatrice Joy
- Joseph Schildkraut
- Nils Asther
- Seena Owen
- Albert Gran
- Frank Reicher
Writers
- Paul Sloane
- Harry Carr
- John Farrow
The Blue Danube - FAQs
What is The Blue Danube about?
The Blue Danube is a 1928 silent romance set in an Austrian village. It follows Marguerite, who loves the impoverished Baron Erich von Statzen, while a jealous hunchback named Ludwig schemes against them. When war breaks out, Erich is sent to the front, leaving their love uncertain and their future unresolved.
Who are the main actors in The Blue Danube?
The film stars Leatrice Joy as Marguerite, Joseph Schildkraut as the scheming Ludwig, and Nils Asther as the love interest Erich von Statzen. Seena Owen, Albert Gran, and Frank Reicher round out the cast in key supporting roles.
When was The Blue Danube released?
The Blue Danube was released on March 11, 1928, in the United States. It was produced by DeMille Pictures Corporation and directed by Paul Sloane during the final years of the silent film era, just before the widespread arrival of sound cinema.
Who directed The Blue Danube?
Paul Sloane directed The Blue Danube. Sloane was an American filmmaker active during the silent and early sound era, and he also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Harry Carr and John Farrow, the latter of whom would later become a notable Hollywood director in his own right.
Is The Blue Danube a silent film?
Yes, The Blue Danube is a silent film, released in 1928 during the twilight of the silent era. It was produced before the full industry transition to sound, which was triggered by the massive success of The Jazz Singer in 1927. The film relies entirely on visual storytelling and intertitles.
How long is The Blue Danube?
The Blue Danube has a runtime of 70 minutes, making it a fairly compact feature by the standards of its era. Silent films of the late 1920s often ran between 60 and 90 minutes, and this romantic drama moves at a brisk pace through its wartime love story.
What are some movies similar to The Blue Danube?
If you enjoy The Blue Danube, you might also like other silent-era films such as The Small Bachelor (1927), Almost Human (1927), and Nice People (1922). For more contemporary romantic films in a similar spirit, Premalu (2024) and Martin Eden (2019) offer compelling love stories worth exploring.
Who wrote the screenplay for The Blue Danube?
The screenplay for The Blue Danube was written by Paul Sloane, Harry Carr, and John Farrow. It is particularly notable that John Farrow, who contributed to the script, went on to become a respected Hollywood director, known for films like Around the World in 80 Days (1956).
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