Blood and Sand

Arzner’s first ‘big picture’ as an editor was also her first directing opportunity.

  • Director

    Fred Niblo, Dorothy Arzner (uncredited)

  • With

    Rudolph Valentino, Lila Lee, Nita Naldi

  • USA 1922. 103min

  • 35mm

  • Certificate

    U

Juan is born into poverty, but grows up to become one of the greatest matadors in Spain. After marrying his childhood sweetheart, Juan’s idyllic life takes a turn for the worse when he succumbs to the allure of Dona Sol. Arzner’s revolutionary way of integrating stock footage of bullfighting with the scenes she filmed of Rudolph Valentino saved Paramount a fortune. It earned her a reputation for efficiency and economy.

With live piano accompaniment by John Sweeney (2 February) and Costas Fotopoulos (10 February).

Film on Film