Carmen (1915 Cecil B. DeMille film)

Carmen (DeMille) film poster

Carmen is a 1915 American silent drama film directed by Cecil B. DeMille. The film is an adaptation of the novella Carmen by Prosper Mérimée, which was also the basis for the famous opera Carmen by Georges Bizet. The film stars Geraldine Farrar in the title role, with Wallace Reid, Pedro de Cordoba, and Horace B. Carpenter in supporting roles.

Plot

The story follows the passionate and tragic romance between Carmen, a fiery gypsy, and Don José, a soldier who becomes infatuated with her. Carmen's free-spirited nature and Don José's obsessive love lead to a series of dramatic events, culminating in a tragic ending.

Cast

• Geraldine Farrar as Carmen
• Wallace Reid as Don José
• Pedro de Cordoba as Escamillo
• Horace B. Carpenter as Dancaire
• Jeanie Macpherson as Micaela

Production

The film was produced by the Jesse L. Lasky Feature Play Company and distributed by Paramount Pictures. It was shot in California, with elaborate sets designed to recreate the Spanish setting of the story. Cecil B. DeMille's direction and the performances of the cast, particularly Geraldine Farrar, were widely praised.

Reception

Carmen was a commercial success and received positive reviews from critics. Geraldine Farrar's portrayal of Carmen was particularly noted for its intensity and authenticity. The film is considered one of the significant works of the silent film era and contributed to the popularity of Cecil B. DeMille as a director.

Legacy

The 1915 film Carmen is an important part of early American cinema and has been preserved in various film archives. It is often studied for its adaptation of literary works and its place in the career of Cecil B. DeMille.

See also

• Carmen (novella)
• Carmen (opera)
• Cecil B. DeMille
• Geraldine Farrar
• Silent film

External links

• Carmen at IMDb