It is fascinating to see in this 1931 film the tropes that would become commonplace in disaster and post-apocalyptic movies from the 1970's onwards. You have the growing panic as authorities realise what is coming. You have the massive scenes of destruction by quakes and tides which for the time look amazing. You have the bleak post disaster landscapes. You have people falling into barbarism. You have wrecked towns trying to work together to rebuild and keep up some semblance of civilisation. You have people parted from their loved ones. It's all there in an inchoate form.
The acting is solid, particularly Peggy Shannon in a sensuous pre-code performance as Claire and Fred Kohler as the lustful Jepson who would do anything to acquire Claire like an object, including murder. Also liked Lois Wilson as the mother of two Helen. After such a spectacular start the film still manages to keep your interest in the personal dramas up to the poignant ending.
If you see this in a good print you'll appreciate the excellent cinematography by Norbert Brodine. Felix E. Feist directs with a sure hand, especially laudable considering this was his first feature film.
The acting is solid, particularly Peggy Shannon in a sensuous pre-code performance as Claire and Fred Kohler as the lustful Jepson who would do anything to acquire Claire like an object, including murder. Also liked Lois Wilson as the mother of two Helen. After such a spectacular start the film still manages to keep your interest in the personal dramas up to the poignant ending.
If you see this in a good print you'll appreciate the excellent cinematography by Norbert Brodine. Felix E. Feist directs with a sure hand, especially laudable considering this was his first feature film.