An ending in search of a story, The Last Command is gorgeous to look at but hasn’t a brain in its pretty head. William Powell and Emil Jannings try their darndest but the film simply isn’t as smart or as deep as it thinks it is.
The film is yet another Russian Revolution yarn and no associated trope or cliche is left in the box. The grande finale of madness and death is indeed something to see but getting there is a tremendous slog what with the trite love story and the dinky stakes.
How does it end? Hover or tap below for a spoiler.
While playing a role in a Russian-themed Hollywood picture, Jannings goes mad and dies delivering his last command.
If it were a dessert it would be: Ham and Bananas Hollandaise. A ham-festooned affair with pretensions of sophistication.
Read my full-length review here.
Availability: Released on DVD by the Criterion Collection as part of their silent von Sternberg box set.
Movies Silently 
Hmm. Yes. Well. Interesting, but this film looks like a Volga Boatman wannabe to me. 😉
Pretty much only not as fun 😉
I remember reading your review of this film. I always wanted to see this one and am a bit disheartened to know it may not be up to snuff sort of speak. I shall still see it when I get the chance
Oh yes, definitely. Just because it’s not my thing doesn’t mean that others cannot enjoy it.
There is ACTUALLY a Ham and Bananas Hollandaise recipe out there! I am in awe of your finding this!
Agree with your long/fun size reviews of The Last Command. I have roomied long term with people who worship William Powell in any role, silent or sound, who will not watch this film again after one viewing due to the pacing. Why not a really good build from halfway to that ending escapes me.
Yeah, Jannings is his usual dialed-to-eleven self but there’s just no there there.