Behind That Curtain

Plot

Sir George hires private investigator Hillary Gatt to investigate the background of Eric Durand, a man who wishes to marry his daughter Lois. Gatt discovers troubling information about Eric but is mysteriously murdered before he can reveal his findings to Sir George. Despite the warning signs, Lois and Eric proceed with their marriage and relocate to India, where Lois begins to see the true nature of her husband. John Beetham, an old family friend who has long loved Lois, follows them to India and becomes increasingly concerned as he witnesses Eric's descent into alcoholism and deceit. The mystery deepens as Lois realizes she married a dangerous man with a hidden past, while John works to uncover the truth about Eric's identity and Gatt's murder.

Historical Background

The year 1929 was a transformative period in American cinema and society. This film was released during the height of the transition to sound pictures, a technological revolution that was reshaping the entire film industry. Many silent film stars struggled to adapt to talkies, while new stars emerged with voices suited for sound. The film industry was also consolidating, with major studios like Fox developing their own sound technologies and theater chains. 1929 was also the final year of the Roaring Twenties, a period of economic prosperity and cultural dynamism that would end dramatically with the stock market crash in October. The film's themes of international intrigue and exotic locations reflected Americans' growing interest in global travel and foreign cultures during this era of relative prosperity and technological advancement.

Making Of

The production of 'Behind That Curtain' took place during a pivotal moment in cinema history when studios were transitioning from silent films to talkies. Director Irving Cummings had to navigate the technical limitations of early sound recording, which required actors to remain close to hidden microphones and restricted camera movement. The casting of Warner Baxter was significant as he was one of Fox's biggest stars following his Oscar win. The decision to include Charlie Chan as a supporting character was likely a test to gauge audience interest in the detective before potentially launching a full series. The Indian sequences were created using elaborate studio sets and backdrops, as location shooting was still rare and expensive during this period. The film's production team had to work with the cumbersome Movietone sound equipment, which often overheated and required frequent breaks during filming.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Arthur Edeson reflects the transitional nature of late 1920s filmmaking, blending techniques from the silent era with new requirements for sound recording. The camera work is more static than typical silent films due to the limitations of early sound equipment, but Edeson makes effective use of lighting and composition to create atmosphere. The Indian sequences feature particularly notable set design and lighting that creates an exotic mood despite being filmed entirely on studio sets. The film employs dramatic shadows and lighting contrasts typical of the mystery genre, while also maintaining the clear visibility needed for early sound recording. The visual style successfully bridges the gap between the expressive cinematography of silent films and the more restrained approach required by early sound technology.

Innovations

The film represents an important technical achievement as one of Fox's early productions using their proprietary Movietone sound-on-film system. This technology allowed for better synchronization between picture and sound compared to earlier sound-on-disc systems. The production team successfully overcame many of the technical challenges of early sound recording, including managing microphone placement and reducing unwanted noise. The film's sound mix includes dialogue, music, and effects, demonstrating the growing sophistication of audio recording in cinema. The technical innovations in this film contributed to the rapid advancement of sound technology in the film industry during this pivotal period.

Music

The film features an original musical score composed specifically for the Movietone system, which synchronized sound with the picture. The music includes both diegetic and non-diegetic elements, with orchestral pieces that enhance the mysterious and romantic elements of the story. The soundtrack also includes sound effects that were innovative for the time, helping to create a more immersive experience for audiences. The musical numbers reflect the popular styles of the late 1920s, incorporating elements of both classical and contemporary popular music. The sound quality, while primitive by modern standards, was considered advanced for its time and represents an important step in the development of film sound technology.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening scene where Sir George hires Hillary Gatt, establishing the mystery and setting the investigation in motion
• The tense confrontation between Eric and Lois as his true nature begins to reveal itself
• The atmospheric murder scene of Hillary Gatt, which sets the stakes for the rest of the film
• The dramatic India sequences where Lois discovers the depth of Eric's deception
• The final revelation where Charlie Chan helps uncover the full truth about Eric's identity and crimes

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised the film for its effective use of sound technology and its engaging mystery plot. The New York Times noted that the film 'makes excellent use of the new talking picture medium' and praised Warner Baxter's performance as 'both convincing and entertaining.' Variety magazine highlighted the film's suspenseful atmosphere and well-constructed narrative. Modern critics and film historians view the film primarily as a historical curiosity due to its introduction of Charlie Chan, though some note that it stands on its own as a competent early sound mystery. The film is often discussed in the context of the transition from silent to sound cinema, with scholars noting how it successfully adapts mystery storytelling to the new medium while still retaining some visual storytelling techniques from the silent era.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1929 responded positively to the film's combination of mystery, romance, and exotic settings. The presence of Warner Baxter, a popular leading man of the era, likely contributed to its commercial success. The film's timing during the early sound period made it a novelty for moviegoers still adjusting to talking pictures. While exact box office figures are not available, contemporary trade publications reported that the film performed respectably in major markets. Modern audiences primarily encounter the film through film society screenings and archival presentations, where it is appreciated for its historical value and as an example of early sound cinema craftsmanship.

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