Beau Geste 1926

WORLD PREMIERE RESTORATION

This cinematic adaptation of P.C. Wren’s popular novel—shown here in a world premiere restoration—was one of Paramount’s most popular films of the 1920s. Ronald Colman, Neil Hamilton, and Ralph Forbes star as three brothers forced by scandal to flee England and join the French Foreign Legion. There’s high drama as they deal with a sadistic lieutenant (Noah Beery) and swashbuckling action in scenes of desert warfare. The film also features early appearances by William Powell and Victor McLaglen. Irish-born director Herbert Brenon was one of the first directors to achieve celebrity status, second only to D.W. Griffith. In a career spanning from 1911 to 1940, he directed more than 120 films, including the feature debut of Louise Brooks. His hits included Peter Pan (1924), starring Betty Bronson, and Laugh, Clown, Laugh (1928) with Lon Chaney. He also directed the sequel to Beau Geste, Beau Ideal (1931), which reunited him with Forbes.

Music compiled and presented by the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra.