Uncle Tom's Cabin

This film was very impressive in actually showing what slavery is - social death - and not just working very hard or for no pay. It was also the only version to do justice to the white slave characters of Eliza, George, etc. Some reviewers have made the idiotic criticism that "white" actors were portraying "blacks." The white slaves in the story were indeed white, despite some mixed ancestry. Their whiteness emphasizes the extreme immorality of the Southern slave system. It is insulting and racist to call them some lighter version of "African Americans." Another ignorant criticism of some reviewers concerns their confusion at the fact that the actors haven't darkened their skin or showed some "Negro" characteristics. What do those people expect to see? Do they really believe that a totally Caucasian phenotype is proof positive of racial "purity" and that "black blood" will always show?

I bought this video to view and I was trying to decide if I could actually show this to 8th graders and would they pay attention. It is after all, a silent black and white video made 88 years ago. I teach at an inner city middle school (US History) and with the exception of one class, the students were spellbound. Oh, they tried to act like it wasn't that great, but when Eliza was trying to cross the river, you could hear a pin drop. I have to say it was a super successful experiment and I will probably show it again next year. :)

I was a little hesitant to order this DVD at first, especially after reading some other reviews and comments about racial issues, but I decided to get it anyway. I'm an Australian living in Sydney so I don't know much about US History or the details of social and racial issues of the US, nor have I ever even heard of the book "Uncle Tom's Cabin" but none of these things prevented me from being deeply moved, impressed and inspired by this film. It has some very heart-wrenching scenes, great suspense, deep emotions and overall extremely good acting. It didn't bother me that some white actors played black roles or that some actors appeared older than their characters because I tend to follow the story and the emotions, ideals and feelings expressed in a film. Another feature that impressed me was the music that suited each scene perfectly, and I have to admit, I was moved to tears by the scene of Topsy crying over the death of Miss Eva while a choral version of Dvorak's New World Symphony Largo played - one of my favourite pieces, but never so deeply moving as in this scene! In my opinion, the musical score added a special touch and extra dimension.I would highly recommend this DVD for all non-Americans, or even to anyone who enjoys a very high quality silent movie because a knowledge of US history or other issues is definitely no prerequisite to enjoying this excellent film!

A part of History that may be gone later.

You do not hear people talking. I will send back for a refund.

I did not even look at it. I thought that I ordered the newer one.

I saw this movie for the first time. It was good until the end. with such compassion. Such loyalty from the employee to the employer.this is a wonderful movie, if to much is said it would ruin it but see it.

On one hand, this film is a (mostly) faithful rendition of Stowe's 1852 anti-slavery novel. It also provides a rare example of early synchronized sound prior to the days of talking films. However, this movie (alas, as well as the book) is grossly patronizing today. James B. Lowe as Uncle Tom gives a far more dignified performance for a Black actor than was typical of 1927, but the incredibly gross Blackfaced performance of Topsy (the inspiration for Buckwheat and Farina's outfits in "Our Gang") is truly stomach-turning. A deleted scene shows Topsy saying "I can't be good cause I'se a (n-word)." (This scene is sadly straight from the book). Wisely, the New York Censors edited this out in 1927. However, what remains in the film is not much better.In some ways, this film is the flipside to "Birth of a Nation," which is now considered the most antiblack film of all time. George Seigmann, who played the villan Silas Lynch in Blackface in BON, plays white Simon Legree in this film. This time, it's Seigmann's white character who tries to rape the Black feamle slaves as opposed to his role as the Black rapist of White women in the former film. Also, this film's ending (which I won't describe in detail here) is the exact opposite of the KKK to the rescue climax of BON. Let's just say it's one part that's not faithful to Stowe's book.Despite it's good intentions, the over-the-top melodrama, the gross stereotyping, and overall bleakness of this film doomed it at the box office in 1927, and it's still not the type of film that you'll invite your friends over for beer and pizza to watch today. But if you're a film historian or interested in impressions of 19th century America, THEN you might like it.

Uncle Tom's Cabin. Silent 1927 Movie.An excellent movie and perfect picture quality for the year it was made. Some imperfections, but no complaints. Considering this was made in 1927, I thought it was an excellent movie. It made me laugh and it made me cry. Although there was no sound to the movie, the facial expressions on the faces of the characters, old and young, were excellent and portrait it well. . To put it in perspective, my father was 7 years old when this movie was made and I can see him enjoying it in the "Picture House" of the times. Brilliant! Best ever "Silent Movie" I have watched and I can highly recommend it.

Good product

My goodness. It's along time ago since I saw this but I was impressed.

Was bought for a friend who really enjoyed.

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