Watch Merry-Go-Round

Merry-Go-Round is a silent film from 1923 directed by Erich von Stroheim. The movie stars Norman Kerry, Mary Philbin, and Cesare Gravina in lead roles. The film was released by Universal Pictures and is a drama that tackles themes of greed, deception, luxury, and deceit. The story of Merry-Go-Round takes place in Monte Carlo, where a wealthy American industrialist Henry Leyden (played by Kerry) falls in love with a mysterious woman named Mary (played by Philbin). Mary is of Italian origin and works as a maid in a luxurious hotel where Henry is staying.

Soon, the two fall in love and decide to marry, but there is a catch. Mary is not who she claims to be. In reality, she is a thief who has come to Monte Carlo to steal from the wealthy vacationers who come to the casino. Cesare Gravina plays the role of Mary's partner in crime, who is equally conniving and greedy.

As the story progresses, we see Mary and her partner in crime planning a heist during a masquerade ball being held in the casino. Henry, who is unaware of Mary's plan, becomes embroiled in it and ultimately falls victim to her deception.

The film also delves into themes of class difference and social status. As Mary and her partner plan their heist, they target only the wealthiest patrons of the casino. Mary comes across as a victim of circumstances, as a poor immigrant forced to resort to crime to survive in a society that discriminates against her because of her class.

The movie is shot in a lavish style and is full of elaborate sets and costumes. The extravagant party scenes capture the atmosphere of Monte Carlo's high-class society perfectly. The cinematography and the use of light and shadow are remarkable and add depth and texture to the film.

The performances of the leading cast are commendable. Norman Kerry, who was known for his charismatic on-screen persona, plays Henry with aplomb. He portrays the character's naivete and vulnerability with subtlety and restraint. Mary Philbin, who achieved fame after starring in the silent horror classic The Phantom of the Opera (1925), is equally impressive as Mary. She brings a certain mystery and vulnerability to her character and holds her own against Kerry's performance.

Cesare Gravina, who plays Mary's criminal accomplice, delivers a convincing performance as a ruthless, cunning criminal. Although his role is an antagonistic one, his performance is nonetheless effective and adds to the tension of the story.

Overall, Merry-Go-Round, despite being a silent film, is a visual delight. The film's complex storylines explore themes that are still relevant today. The combination of action, drama, mystery, and romance makes it a timeless classic of the silent era.

Merry-Go-Round is a 1923 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.