Street Angel is a 1928 American synchronized sound drama film. Although the film contains no audible dialogue, it was released with a synchronized musical score and sound effects using the sound-on-film movietone process. Directed by Frank Borzage, the film was adapted by Harry H. Caldwell (titles), Katherine Hilliker (titles), Philip Klein, Marion Orth, and Henry Roberts Symonds from the play Lady Cristilinda by Monckton Hoffe. As an early, transitional sound film, it used intertitles, recorded sound effects and musical selections, but did not include recorded dialogue.

Plot

The film begins in the dark, narrow streets of Naples, a city of archways, weathered stone steps, laundry hanging overhead, and patches of mist that soften the lamplight. The police — carabineers — make their rounds in pairs, their boots echoing on the cobblestones. Frank Borzage’s direction leans into the oppressive beauty: slender iron railings, crumbling arches, and the occasional sudden shaft of sunlight cutting through shadow.

Awards