Carnival (also known as Venetian Nights) is a 1931 British drama film in black and white with colour sequences, directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Matheson Lang, Joseph Schildkraut, Kay Hammond and Chili Bouchier. It was written by Donald Macardle and produced by the British & Dominions Film Corporation. It is a remake of the 1921 film Carnival.
Contents
Plot
During a performance of Othello a jealous actor attempts to strangle his wife who he believes has committed adultery.
Cast
Matheson Lang as Silvio Steno
Chili Bouchier as Simonetta Steno
Joseph Schildkraut as Count Andrea Scipio
Lilian Braithwaite as Italia
Kay Hammond as Nella
Brian Buchel as Lelio
Dickie Edwards as Nino
Brember Wills as stage manager
Alfred Rode and His Royal Tzigane Band as performers at carnival
Reception
Film Weekly wrote: "The picturesque backgrounds, the glorious photography, the effective musical treatment, the economical dialogue, and the general glamour of Carnival are qualities that outweigh many faults and make it a film of importance."
Kine Weekly wrote: "The story is perhaps a little familiar, but it is given colour by the glamour of the stage which furnishes the background, and strength through the personality and powerful histrionics of Matheson Lang. ... Although the familiar story adheres to the obvious in development, it is beautifully decorated and expands with rhythmic movement and ease of action which is all too rare in British pictures."
The Daily Film Renter wrote: "Herbert Wilcox has used dialogue with restraint and music and effects with real artistry in this talkie version of a story which made one of the most successful silent films on record. Pictorial values are high as a result, and with good leading acting making the most of the essentially popular material, Carnival, with its proved appeal to the women, bears all the marks of a big box-office success."