THE WEDDING MARCH
Starring Erich von Stroheim, Zasu Pitts, and Fay Wray
MOTION PICTURE CLASSIC
December, 1928
The long-awaited Stroheim opus, "The Wedding March,"
which has been going on and on and on and on in typical Stroheimish
style now greets us from the silversheet. And that is a two-dollar
word which isn't needed for the time and expenditure placed upon
this number. Eric is Eric again which is to say that he
enacts the principal role, playing it for all he's worth after
the style he established in "Blind Husbands."
It smacks of the Continental touch, and considerable editing has
been done to it, so that it loses considerable of its spark. But
its foreign flavor gives it tone and quality, even if the story
isn't what it's cracked up to be. There are some gorgeous shots.
These are to be expected from a director like Stroheim who always
"shoots the works." His scene of the processional to
St. Stephens is magnificent. And Fay Wray climbs to really great
emotional heights in the principal feminine role. She is surely
over now and the picture is truly worth seeing. Stroheim
is more or less fascinating as the militaristic playboy and Zasu
Pitts is splendid in a humble role. Look for some extraordinary
shots and Miss Wray's great performance.
THE WEDDING MARCH
starring Erich von Stroheim and Fay Wray
PHOTOPLAY
November, 1928
Years of work and millions of dollars wasted on a story that, in its present form, was hardly worth telling. The beauty of many of the scenes is nullified by a pig-sty atmosphere. The Corpus Christi procession to St. Stephan's, with Franz Josef in all his mediaeval glory, is beautifully presented. But there are other scenes that will repel audiences. Von Stroheim is awkward, but Fay Wray's work is her best yet.