Noah s Ark ( 1928 )

Noah's Ark (1928): A Biblical Epic of War and Faith

Noah's Ark, a 1928 American pre-Code epic romantic drama film directed by Michael Curtiz, stands as a landmark in early Hollywood filmmaking, notable for its ambitious scope, lavish production, and controversial integration of a contemporary World War I narrative with the biblical story of Noah's Ark. While the film's silent format dates it for modern audiences, its spectacle, particularly the flood sequence, remains a powerful cinematic achievement. Beyond the technical prowess, however, Noah's Ark grapples with enduring themes of faith, war, redemption, and the destructive nature of humanity.

Production History and Context

Produced by Warner Bros., Noah's Ark was one of the most expensive films of its time, with a reported budget of over $2 million. The film's genesis came from Darryl F. Zanuck, then head of production at Warner Bros., who envisioned a grand biblical spectacle following the success of other religious epics. The choice to intertwine a modern war story with the Noah narrative was a bold, and ultimately divisive, decision intended to draw parallels between the ancient world and the horrors of World War I, framing both as examples of humanity's inherent capacity for violence and its need for divine intervention.

Michael Curtiz, a Hungarian-American director known for his action-oriented style and ability to handle large-scale productions, was chosen to helm the project. The film's production was plagued with difficulties, including accidents on set, high costs, and disagreements between Curtiz and the studio. The flood sequence, in particular, was infamously dangerous, resulting in injuries and even deaths among the extras. This controversy further cemented the film's place in Hollywood lore, raising ethical questions about the lengths to which studios would go to achieve cinematic spectacle.

Plot Summary

The film interweaves two distinct narratives: a contemporary story set during World War I and the biblical tale of Noah's Ark. The contemporary story follows two American brothers, Travis (George O'Brien) and Al (Guinn Big Boy Williams), fighting in the trenches of Europe. Travis is a devout Christian, while Al is more cynical and skeptical. They both fall in love with Marie (Dolores Costello), a German nurse who is also devoutly religious. As the war escalates, the brothers and Marie find themselves caught in the crossfire, witnessing the brutality and senselessness of the conflict.

Intercut with the war story is the biblical narrative of Noah (also played by George O'Brien), a righteous man chosen by God to build an ark and save his family and animals from a devastating flood intended to cleanse the Earth of its wickedness. The biblical segment depicts the growing corruption and decadence of pre-flood society, highlighting the idolatry and moral decay that lead to God's decision to unleash the deluge. Noah faces skepticism and ridicule as he builds the ark, but his unwavering faith sustains him through the ordeal. The flood sequence itself is the film's centerpiece, depicting the destruction of the world and the struggle for survival aboard the ark.

Ultimately, both narratives converge, suggesting that the lessons of the flood remain relevant in the modern era. The horrors of war, like the wickedness of the pre-flood world, are presented as evidence of humanity's persistent flaws. The film concludes with a message of hope, emphasizing the importance of faith and redemption as a means of overcoming adversity.

Cast and Characters

Themes and Interpretation

Noah's Ark explores several key themes, including:

• Faith and Doubt: The film contrasts the unwavering faith of Noah and Travis with the skepticism and cynicism of characters like Al. It questions the nature of belief and the role of religion in the face of suffering.
• War and Violence: The film condemns the destructive nature of war, portraying it as a manifestation of human sin and a repetition of the pre-flood wickedness that led to divine judgment.
• Redemption and Forgiveness: Despite the bleak depiction of human nature, the film offers a message of hope, suggesting that redemption is possible through faith and repentance. The flood, while destructive, ultimately represents a new beginning for humanity.
• The Power of Divine Judgment: The flood serves as a powerful reminder of God's judgment against sin and the consequences of moral decay. The film presents a stark warning about the dangers of unchecked human ambition and the importance of adhering to divine principles.

The juxtaposition of the war story and the biblical narrative allows the film to comment on the cyclical nature of human history. By drawing parallels between the ancient world and the modern era, the filmmakers suggest that humanity is doomed to repeat its mistakes unless it learns from the past. The film's ending, which shows a rainbow symbolizing God's covenant with Noah, offers a glimmer of hope that humanity can overcome its destructive tendencies and build a more peaceful and just world.

The Flood Sequence: A Cinematic Spectacle

The flood sequence in Noah's Ark is undoubtedly the film's most memorable and controversial element. Directed by Roy Pomeroy, the sequence employed groundbreaking special effects for its time, utilizing miniature sets, water tanks, and a vast number of extras to create a realistic and terrifying depiction of the deluge. The sheer scale and intensity of the flood were unprecedented in silent cinema, leaving audiences awestruck by the visual spectacle.

However, the production of the flood sequence was plagued by accidents and injuries. Extras were subjected to dangerous conditions, including being swept away by the water and injured by debris. Several deaths were attributed to the flood sequence, leading to criticism of the filmmakers' disregard for the safety of the cast and crew. The controversy surrounding the flood sequence highlights the ethical challenges of early Hollywood filmmaking and the exploitation of performers in pursuit of cinematic realism.

Despite the controversy, the flood sequence remains a significant achievement in special effects history. It demonstrated the power of visual effects to create believable and immersive worlds, paving the way for future advancements in cinematic technology. The sequence's impact on audiences was undeniable, contributing significantly to the film's box office success and its enduring legacy as a cinematic landmark.

Reception and Legacy

Noah's Ark was a major box office success, grossing over $5 million worldwide. The film's spectacular visuals and its blend of religious and secular themes resonated with audiences, making it one of the most popular films of 1928. However, the film also received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its technical achievements but criticized its melodramatic storyline and its uneven pacing. The intercutting of the two stories was also viewed as jarring and disruptive by some critics.

Despite the mixed reviews, Noah's Ark had a significant impact on the development of the Hollywood epic. It demonstrated the potential of large-scale productions to attract audiences and established a template for future biblical epics. The film's influence can be seen in later films such as The Ten Commandments (1956) and Ben-Hur (1959), which also combined religious themes with spectacular visuals.

The film's legacy is also complicated by the controversy surrounding the flood sequence. The accidents and deaths that occurred during production raised ethical questions about the treatment of performers in early Hollywood and the pursuit of cinematic spectacle at any cost. Noah's Ark serves as a reminder of the dark side of Hollywood's golden age and the sacrifices that were sometimes made in the name of entertainment.

Technical Aspects

Controversies

Noah's Ark is known for its on-set tragedies. During the filming of the flood scene, unsafe conditions led to several injuries and the reported deaths of three extras. The studio was accused of negligence and exploiting the extras for the sake of realism. This incident has cast a long shadow over the film, prompting discussions about safety regulations in early Hollywood and the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers.

Comparison to Modern Adaptations

Since 1928, the story of Noah's Ark has been retold in numerous films and television shows. Compared to modern adaptations like Darren Aronofsky's Noah (2014), the 1928 version is less focused on character development and more on spectacle. Aronofsky's film delves into Noah's internal struggles and the moral complexities of his mission, while the 1928 film prioritizes the visual impact of the flood and the contrast between the contemporary and biblical narratives.

Another key difference lies in the representation of God's wrath. The 1928 film portrays God's judgment as a direct response to human sin, while modern adaptations often explore the environmental themes and the consequences of humanity's mistreatment of the planet. Ultimately, each adaptation reflects the values and concerns of its own time.

Conclusion

Noah's Ark (1928) remains a significant, albeit flawed, cinematic achievement. Its ambitious scope, groundbreaking special effects, and exploration of universal themes continue to captivate audiences. While the film's controversial production and its dated style may detract from its appeal for some, its historical significance and its enduring message of faith and redemption cannot be denied. Noah's Ark stands as a testament to the power of silent cinema and a reminder of the ethical responsibilities that come with creating grand cinematic spectacles.