JohnHowardReid Not copyrighted in the U.S.A. where it was released by Amer-Anglo Corp. in 1928. U.K. release through W&F Film Service in September 1926. Original running time: approx. 100 minutes. SYNOPSIS: A new lodger acts suspiciously. Is it possible he's a Jack-the-Ripper killer?NOTES: Re-made, again with Novello in the lead, by director Maurice Elvey in 1932. Titled The Phantom Fiend in the U.S. Other re-makes: 1944 (John Brahm directing Laird Cregar); 1953 (Jack Palance directed by Hugo Fregonese, titled Man in the Attic); 2008 (Shane West directed by David Ondaatje). COMMENT: Although it no longer seems as innovative as when first released and although tension is somewhat undermined by the obvious fact that Ivor Novello could not possibly turn out to be the killer (even though the script most disappointingly presents no alternatives), The Lodger still packs enough ambiance and atmosphere to hold a modern audience's attention, especially in its original tinted version. Novello's "acting" is more "posing" than performing, and the other players are sometimes a mite too enthusiastic in their pantomiming, but these styles are pretty much par for 1926. Aside from the lavishly staged climax, production values are by no means over-extensive. (AVAILABLE on DVD in St Clair Vision's Hitchcock Collection. Quality rating: 7 out of ten).

Rainey Dawn This is a film I've only heard and read a little about - not to mention seeing some stills and tiny clips - well, I'm finally viewing it for the for the first time in my life and I have to say this is an impressive film. The words that come to my mind are beautiful and eerie as two descriptive words for this gem. I understand why everyone is bragging about since I've seen it. I have to say it's too bad this film is not an early talkie because this would make a fantastic one - but something about this movie being silent seems to make the film all that more eerie.I tell ya if you want see any silent film at all - watch this one! While this film is not considered to be a horror film, I would put The Lodger (1927) in the class with Nosferatu (1922), London After Midnight (1927) or even Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920). I like this Hitchcock silent film so much better than his film The Ring (1927).Great movie - I've enjoyed watching it! 9/10

Scott LeBrun This memorable silent film is based on the 1913 novel by Marie Belloc Lowndes, which spins a yarn inspired by the Jack the Ripper murders. In Victorian era London, a serial killer dubbing themselves The Avenger, and using a triangle as an emblem, is terrorizing the city. During this time, an intriguing, cagey stranger (Ivor Novello) rents a room from the Buntings (Marie Ault and Arthur Chesney). The Lodger finds himself attracted to their lovely daughter Daisy (June), and she to him, which angers her suitor, a police detective named Joe (Malcolm Keen).Sad eyed romantic screen idol Novello is very well cast in this striking and atmospheric silent film from The Master, Alfred Hitchcock. Hitch had made two previous features, but it was with The Lodger that he really hit his stride as an innovator and craftsman. He employs a number of engaging visual tricks to get the viewers' attention, all while telling a good story. In addition, he creates some genuinely harrowing suspense, and given that shooting in sound was unavailable to him at the time, he instead uses imagery to create a soundtrack of sorts. His film is equal parts sinister, tense, and romantic, and also comedic at times.This viewer watched the full length 100 minute version, which might seem a little draggy for some peoples' tastes, but it wonderfully creates a mood and feel, with some truly standout sequences. The colour tinting on scenes is effective; this viewer also chose the option of listening to the 1997 music score written by Canadian composer Paul Zaza, which adds much to the excitement.Hitch began here his trend of on screen cameo appearances: he appears with his back to the camera in a newsroom, and is in the crowd when the killer is unmasked and arrested. His assistant director was his wife Alma, whom he'd recently married.Filmed again in 1932 (with Novello reprising the title role), in 1944 (with Laird Cregar), and 1954 (with Jack Palance).Eight out of 10.

paultreloar75 Saw this today as part of a double bill with Underground, directed by Anthony Asquith, and I have to say, this didn't come off across as well as it's partner. It's a perfectly good and engaging story about a lodging house and the going's on around it, and Ivor Novello shines out in a way that took me by complete immersion.Yet, the score by Nitin Sawnhey was lacking in my opinion. Two uses of vocal tracks really disrupted things, and generally the music was all a bit bombastic and busy. Which is a shame as the movie itself was quite entertaining, although it can't really be said to have had you on tenterhooks necessarily.The underlying alienation, the money-grabbing opportunism, the fear of the other aligned to the curiosity of us all, are very enjoyable aspects of this golden-hued feature. Definitely worth a watch.