Moran of the Lady Letty (1922) is fine for those who need their Valentino fix, but as a film on its own, it's rather pedestrian entertainment.
George Melford's direction is firmly stuck in the early 1910s style and lacks any sort of style or pace, much like his work with Valentino in The Sheik (1921). Fortunately, the action and comedy in the story is enough to keep the movie afloat. Being a Valentino vehicle, there is also romance, but, just as it was in The Sheik, he and his leading lady have nil chemistry and seem more like best buddies than potential lovers.
Unfortunately, this film manages to stuff more racist stereotypes in its running time than even The Sheik. We have a submissive Chinese cook who stoops and speaks in broken English, and uncleanly Mexican bandits out to loot and rape. While this is a product of the times, that does not make it any less uncomfortable to watch.
If you are a Valentino completionist, then you'll enjoy it to a degree, but anyone else will likely be underwhelmed.
George Melford's direction is firmly stuck in the early 1910s style and lacks any sort of style or pace, much like his work with Valentino in The Sheik (1921). Fortunately, the action and comedy in the story is enough to keep the movie afloat. Being a Valentino vehicle, there is also romance, but, just as it was in The Sheik, he and his leading lady have nil chemistry and seem more like best buddies than potential lovers.
Unfortunately, this film manages to stuff more racist stereotypes in its running time than even The Sheik. We have a submissive Chinese cook who stoops and speaks in broken English, and uncleanly Mexican bandits out to loot and rape. While this is a product of the times, that does not make it any less uncomfortable to watch.
If you are a Valentino completionist, then you'll enjoy it to a degree, but anyone else will likely be underwhelmed.