While serials have the reputation (sometimes deserved) of being sloppy affairs, this French-Russian series turns the genre into art. Gorgeous cinematography, imaginative stunts, genuine suspense and an enthralling plot lift this serial head and shoulders above the competition.
While Mosjoukine is in the lead, this is a true ensemble production with great performances from almost everyone, particularly Nicolas Koline as a morally ambiguous photographer and Charles Vanel as the villainous villain of villainy. The plot involves a naive fellow who is falsely convicted of murder. Can he and his family prove his innocence?
How does it end? Hover or tap below for a spoiler.
Mosjoukine uses a clever ploy to trick a confession out of the real killer. Mwahahaha!
If it were a dessert it would be: Madjarica, a Croatian cake. Every good thing layered with precision. Yum!
Read my full-length review here.
Availability: Released on DVD by Flicker Alley. What are you waiting for?
Movies Silently 
Ethics sounds like an excellent tv show or mini series if it were made today. It also sounds like a Hitchcock theme
Yes, it definitely has more in common with an acclaimed television show than other serials of the era.
I binge-watched House of Mystery a couple of months back after reading your full-length. Just a wonderful viewing experience! Had started out watching it on a 17″ Powerbook but quickly transferred to the huge tv in the den to do this beautiful film justice!
Isn’t it amazing? The visual imagination displayed in that series is just remarkable. So glad to hear you enjoyed it!