Don Quixote

Plot

In this Danish silent comedy adaptation, Don Quixote is a poor but noble landowner who becomes completely obsessed with chivalric romances and tales of knight-errantry. After reading countless books about heroic knights, he decides that he must restore the order of wandering knights and sets out on horseback in full armor to right wrongs and protect the innocent. He persuades the simple peasant Sancho Panza to serve as his weapon bearer and squire, tempting him with promises of royal rewards and governorship of an island. Despite the seemingly impossible nature of their quest, the unlikely pair embarks on a series of misadventures that test their friendship and determination. Through their comedic journey, they encounter various challenges and misunderstandings that highlight the contrast between Quixote's idealism and Sancho's practicality, ultimately leading to situations that might just turn them into real knights in their own way.

Historical Background

The year 1927 was a pivotal moment in cinema history, marking the transition from silent to sound films. Denmark, like many European countries, was experiencing a golden age of silent cinema, with Nordisk Film being one of the continent's most productive studios. The Danish film industry had established itself as a major cultural force, producing comedies, dramas, and literary adaptations that found international success. This particular adaptation of Don Quixote emerged during a period when literary adaptations were particularly popular in European cinema, as filmmakers sought to legitimize the medium by adapting classic works of literature. The film also reflected the post-WWI fascination with chivalric ideals and medieval romance, which provided audiences with escapist entertainment during a time of social and economic uncertainty. The success of comedy duos like Fyrtaarnet og Bivognen demonstrated the universal appeal of physical comedy that transcended language barriers, making Danish films competitive in the international market.

Making Of

The making of 'Don Quixote' was a significant undertaking for Nordisk Film, Denmark's oldest and most prestigious film studio. The production team faced considerable challenges in creating a convincing medieval Spanish setting within Denmark, requiring elaborate set constructions and costume designs. Carl Schenstrøm and Harald Madsen, who had developed their comedic chemistry over numerous previous films, spent weeks rehearsing their physical comedy routines, many of which involved dangerous stunts with the heavy armor and props. Director Lau Lauritzen Sr., known for his meticulous attention to detail, insisted on authentic period costumes despite the film's comedic nature. The filming took place during the summer of 1927, with the cast and crew working long hours to complete the production before the industry's transition to sound technology made silent films obsolete. The film's score was composed specifically for the theatrical release, with different arrangements created for various-sized orchestras depending on the cinema's capabilities.

Visual Style

The cinematography of 'Don Quixote' employed the visual techniques characteristic of late silent era Danish cinema, with careful attention to lighting and composition to enhance both the comedic and dramatic elements. The film utilized wide shots to establish the Spanish-inspired settings and medium shots for the physical comedy sequences, allowing audiences to fully appreciate the actors' movements and expressions. The cinematographer made effective use of the contrast between Carl Schenstrøm's tall, lanky frame and Harald Madsen's shorter stature to enhance the visual comedy. The film featured several innovative camera movements for its time, including tracking shots during the horseback riding sequences that added dynamism to the scenes. The visual style balanced the realistic depiction of rural Denmark with the romanticized vision of medieval Spain required by the story, creating a unique aesthetic that served both the comedic and narrative purposes of the film.

Innovations

While not groundbreaking in its technical innovations, 'Don Quixote' demonstrated the high level of craftsmanship that characterized late Danish silent cinema. The film featured impressive set constructions that convincingly recreated Spanish landscapes and architecture within Denmark, showcasing the technical expertise of Nordisk Film's production department. The costume department created elaborate period armor and clothing that were both visually authentic and functional for the physical comedy requirements. The film's editing techniques were particularly noteworthy for their timing in accentuating the comedy, with precise cuts that enhanced the gags and maintained the narrative momentum. The production also utilized special effects techniques of the era, including forced perspective shots to emphasize the height difference between the leads and matte paintings to create the illusion of expansive Spanish landscapes. The film's preservation of these technical elements provides valuable insight into the state of filmmaking technology in 1920s Denmark.

Music

As a silent film, 'Don Quixote' was originally accompanied by a musical score composed specifically for the production. The score was designed to enhance both the comedic moments and the more romantic scenes, with different musical themes for the main characters. The original orchestral arrangements were created to be adaptable to various orchestra sizes, from small theater ensembles to full symphony orchestras in larger cinemas. The music incorporated Spanish-inspired melodies to reinforce the setting, while maintaining the light, playful tone expected from a comedy featuring Fyrtaarnet og Bivognen. The score also included popular Danish folk tunes that would have been familiar to contemporary audiences, creating a connection between the Spanish setting and Danish cultural identity. Modern screenings of the film typically feature newly composed scores or carefully selected classical music that matches the film's tone and pacing.

Memorable Scenes

• The iconic scene where Don Quixote first dons his mismatched armor and mounts his horse, struggling with the weight of his equipment while maintaining his dignified composure
• The battle sequence where Don Quixote charges at what he believes are giants but are actually windmills, with Sancho desperately trying to stop him
• The tender moment where the exhausted duo shares a simple meal by the campfire, their friendship evident despite their constant bickering
• The scene where Don Quixote attempts to rescue a damsel in distress who needs no rescuing, creating comedic confusion among the villagers

What Critics Said

Contemporary Danish critics praised the film for its clever adaptation of Cervantes' work and the stellar comedic performances of its leads. Reviews in Danish newspapers of the time highlighted the film's successful balance between honoring the source material's serious themes and delivering the expected comedy from the Fyrtaarnet og Bivognen duo. International critics, particularly in Germany and Scandinavia, noted the film's impressive production values and the universal appeal of its physical comedy. Modern film historians have recognized the 1927 'Don Quixote' as an important example of how silent comedy adapted literary classics, often citing it alongside other notable literary adaptations of the era. The film is frequently mentioned in retrospectives of Danish cinema as representing the peak of the country's silent comedy tradition before the transition to sound. Critics have also noted how the film captured the essence of Cervantes' exploration of idealism versus reality while making it accessible to mass audiences through comedy.

What Audiences Thought

The film was a considerable success with Danish audiences upon its release in October 1927, drawing large crowds to cinemas across the country. The popularity of the Fyrtaarnet og Bivognen duo ensured strong opening weekend attendance, and positive word-of-mouth helped sustain the film's theatrical run for several months. Audience members particularly enjoyed the visual gags and the chemistry between the two leads, many of whom had grown familiar with the duo's previous films. The film's success extended beyond Denmark, finding receptive audiences in other Scandinavian countries and Germany, where Danish films had a strong following. Contemporary audience reports suggest that viewers appreciated both the comedy and the respectful treatment of the classic source material. The film's timing, just before the advent of sound cinema, meant it was one of the last major silent comedies many Danish audiences would experience in theaters, adding to its nostalgic value in later years.

You Might Also Like