Two beautiful performances by dashing Ramon Novarro and exquisitely lovely, fragile Helen Chandler make this precode film, Daybreak, something very special. A film like this proves that, even with a thin plot line, two exceptional performers like Ramon and Helen can turn an unoriginal story into something magical and unforgettable.
The story involves the regeneration of a spoiled playboy soldier by the love of a prim and proper little music teacher. The road to their falling in love with one another is a rather bumpy one, with occasional resting spots in sublime locations, but this is what helps make this film extra special and interesting.
"Oh look at the river!" Helen's character Laura says to Ramon's character Willi, as they cuddle under a blanket together outside in the dark, while beautiful Viennese music is played nearby. "I wish we were swans." This is the most lyrical, heavenly scene in the film. When I first watched this film (which I recorded off TCM) I had to stop at the end of this scene and play it over and over again. Tears came to my eyes, it was so beautiful. Instead of taking advantage of the little musician lady he had picked up and gotten drunk, he takes her to this lovely spot and waits till the alcohol has lost its influence on her, before he takes her home. So when later that night it becomes obvious Laura has fallen for Willi and will succumb to his charms physically, she is not choosing to do so because she is inebriated, but because she really feels he has genuine concern and love for her.
Willi makes a mistake in the morning (but not before a delicious, romantic strawberry scene takes place - another one of those "resting spots") which causes Laura to doubt his true feelings. Willi may or may not be too sure of them himself at this moment, but he is soon to realize he truly loves her, when out of anger she turns to an older, rich man who has been pursuing her. Willi tries to rescue Laura from her situation but only gets deeper into trouble and debt. Suicide seems the only honorable way out but fate intervenes and regeneration and restoration takes place in their relationship.
Daybreak is a must-see film for those who love and appreciate the precode era and for Ramon Novarro and/or Helen Chandler fans. Both Ramon and Helen met with tragic ends, which makes this film all the more poignant to watch.
The story involves the regeneration of a spoiled playboy soldier by the love of a prim and proper little music teacher. The road to their falling in love with one another is a rather bumpy one, with occasional resting spots in sublime locations, but this is what helps make this film extra special and interesting.
"Oh look at the river!" Helen's character Laura says to Ramon's character Willi, as they cuddle under a blanket together outside in the dark, while beautiful Viennese music is played nearby. "I wish we were swans." This is the most lyrical, heavenly scene in the film. When I first watched this film (which I recorded off TCM) I had to stop at the end of this scene and play it over and over again. Tears came to my eyes, it was so beautiful. Instead of taking advantage of the little musician lady he had picked up and gotten drunk, he takes her to this lovely spot and waits till the alcohol has lost its influence on her, before he takes her home. So when later that night it becomes obvious Laura has fallen for Willi and will succumb to his charms physically, she is not choosing to do so because she is inebriated, but because she really feels he has genuine concern and love for her.
Willi makes a mistake in the morning (but not before a delicious, romantic strawberry scene takes place - another one of those "resting spots") which causes Laura to doubt his true feelings. Willi may or may not be too sure of them himself at this moment, but he is soon to realize he truly loves her, when out of anger she turns to an older, rich man who has been pursuing her. Willi tries to rescue Laura from her situation but only gets deeper into trouble and debt. Suicide seems the only honorable way out but fate intervenes and regeneration and restoration takes place in their relationship.
Daybreak is a must-see film for those who love and appreciate the precode era and for Ramon Novarro and/or Helen Chandler fans. Both Ramon and Helen met with tragic ends, which makes this film all the more poignant to watch.