Barbed Wire

Plot

Set during World War I in rural France, 'Barbed Wire' tells the story of Mona Moreau (Pola Negri), a determined French farm girl who fiercely protects her family's land from German occupation. When German prisoners of war are brought to work on her farm, Mona initially treats them with contempt, particularly Oskar Muller (Clive Brook), a cultured German officer. Despite their opposing loyalties and the war raging around them, Mona and Oskar develop a forbidden romance that transcends national boundaries. Their love is tested by the brutal realities of war, family obligations, and the literal barbed wire that divides their nations, ultimately forcing them to choose between duty and their passionate connection.

Historical Background

Released in 1927, 'Barbed Wire' emerged during a pivotal period in cinema history, just before the transition to sound films. The film was produced less than a decade after World War I ended, when memories of the conflict were still fresh and painful for many Americans and Europeans. The 1920s saw a wave of WWI-themed films, but most portrayed Germans as one-dimensional villains. This film's more nuanced approach to German characters reflected a growing desire for reconciliation and healing in the post-war period. The film also arrived during Hollywood's golden age, when studios were competing to attract international talent like Pola Negri, who represented the sophistication of European cinema.

Making Of

The production of 'Barbed Wire' was marked by careful attention to historical accuracy despite being a romantic drama. Pola Negri, who had experienced WWI in Europe, brought authentic emotional depth to her performance. The farm sets were meticulously constructed to resemble French rural properties of the era, with actual farming equipment and livestock brought to the studio. The barbed wire used in the film was specially treated to appear weathered and authentic. The chemistry between Negri and Brook was so genuine that studio executives encouraged them to maintain their professional relationship off-screen for publicity purposes. The film was shot during a period of intense anti-German sentiment in America, making the sympathetic portrayal of a German officer particularly bold for its time.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Bert Glennon employed naturalistic lighting techniques to enhance the authenticity of the rural French setting. Glennon used soft focus techniques during romantic scenes to create an ethereal quality, while employing harsher, more contrasted lighting for the war sequences. The barbed wire itself became a recurring visual motif, often shot in silhouette against dramatic skies to emphasize its symbolic weight. The film made effective use of deep focus for shots of the farm landscapes, creating a sense of both beauty and isolation that reflected Mona's emotional state.

Innovations

While not groundbreaking in technical innovation, 'Barbed Wire' demonstrated sophisticated use of existing silent film techniques. The film employed effective use of intertitles to convey dialogue and emotional context without disrupting the visual storytelling. The production utilized matte paintings to extend the farm sets and create the illusion of the French countryside. The film's editing, particularly in the sequence where Mona and Oskar's relationship develops, showed advanced understanding of rhythm and pacing for dramatic effect. The sound design, though limited to musical accompaniment, was carefully coordinated with the visual action to maximize emotional impact.

Music

As a silent film, 'Barbed Wire' was originally accompanied by a musical score composed for theater orchestras. The score was designed to enhance the emotional impact of key scenes, with pastoral themes for the farm sequences and more dramatic, militaristic motifs for the war-related scenes. The music emphasized the French setting through the incorporation of folk melodies, while German characters were often accompanied by more classical, romantic themes. The original cue sheets for the film's musical accompaniment have been preserved and are studied by film music historians.

Memorable Scenes

• The first meeting between Mona and Oskar, where her initial hostility gradually melts as she recognizes his humanity despite their enemy status
• The dramatic sequence where Mona protects Oskar from angry villagers, risking her own safety and reputation
• The poignant final scene where lovers are separated by the literal barbed wire, reaching for each other across the divide
• The harvest festival scene where the romantic tension between the leads becomes undeniable despite the surrounding conflict

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised 'Barbed Wire' for its emotional depth and powerful performances. The New York Times particularly lauded Pola Negri's performance, calling it 'a revelation of dramatic power' and noting how she transcended her vamp image to deliver a nuanced portrayal of a French farm girl. Critics appreciated the film's balanced approach to its German and French characters, with Variety noting that it 'treats both sides with humanity and understanding.' Modern film historians have reevaluated the film as an important example of post-war reconciliation cinema and a showcase of silent film acting at its most sophisticated.

What Audiences Thought

The film was well-received by audiences in 1927, particularly those who had been affected by WWI and appreciated its message of reconciliation. Audiences responded strongly to the chemistry between Pola Negri and Clive Brook, making them one of the popular screen couples of the late silent era. The film's emotional climax reportedly moved many theatergoers to tears, and it performed well at the box office, especially in urban areas with large immigrant populations who could relate to themes of divided loyalties. The success of 'Barbed Wire' helped cement Negri's status as a bankable star in American cinema.

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