IMDb RATING
7.2/10
1.7K
YOUR RATING
A group of starving artists try to survive in 1830s Paris, including a seamstress and the would-be playwright she loves.A group of starving artists try to survive in 1830s Paris, including a seamstress and the would-be playwright she loves.A group of starving artists try to survive in 1830s Paris, including a seamstress and the would-be playwright she loves.
- Awards
- 2 wins
Mathilde Comont
- Madame Benoit
- (as Matilde Comont)
Eugene Pouyet
- Bernard
- (as Gene Pouyet)
Agostino Borgato
- Editor
- (uncredited)
Harry Crocker
- Bit Part
- (uncredited)
Blanche Payson
- Factory Supervisor
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaJohn Gilbert was infatuated with Lillian Gish and would mess up his "love scenes" with her on purpose, so he could keep kissing her.
- GoofsThe sign outside Mimi's flat has "Melle" before her last name. The abbreviation for "Mademoiselle" ("Miss") is "Mlle".
- Quotes
Title Card: Paris - Mother of the Arts...
- ConnectionsFeatured in American Masters: Lillian Gish: The Actor's Life for Me (1988)
Featured review
Gesticulations Deluxe!
I have seen hundreds of silent films by now, but I have never, ever yet seen a film in which pantomime was so wildly and dramatically used consistently throughout the entire story by the actors, particularly by John Gilbert. I hate to say it, but here as Rudolphe, although he was his usual fantastically handsome self, he reminds me most of Gene Kelly's antics in the silent film spoof musical "Singin' in the Rain." The film required more subtlety from Mr. Gilbert here, and then I think it would have been a genuine classic.
That said, there are moments where his pantomime is perfectly poignant, more genteel, and realistic. The romp through the woods on a spring day, where Mimi (Gish) confesses to Rudolphe (Gilbert) that she loves him, is sublime and unforgettable. He places his hand gently on his heart in surprise, and then kisses Mimi's golden ringlets first, before he kisses her face. A gesture so nineteenth century! John Gilbert certainly knew his history and researched his roles very well.
Lillian Gish is always a joy to watch, and her performance as Mimi is exceptional. Her death scene was very moving. If you are a fan of John Gilbert or Lillian Gish, don't miss La Boheme. TCM has a wonderful video clip from the film on its website. Just use their search engine to find it.
That said, there are moments where his pantomime is perfectly poignant, more genteel, and realistic. The romp through the woods on a spring day, where Mimi (Gish) confesses to Rudolphe (Gilbert) that she loves him, is sublime and unforgettable. He places his hand gently on his heart in surprise, and then kisses Mimi's golden ringlets first, before he kisses her face. A gesture so nineteenth century! John Gilbert certainly knew his history and researched his roles very well.
Lillian Gish is always a joy to watch, and her performance as Mimi is exceptional. Her death scene was very moving. If you are a fan of John Gilbert or Lillian Gish, don't miss La Boheme. TCM has a wonderful video clip from the film on its website. Just use their search engine to find it.
helpful•205
- overseer-3
- May 2, 2004
Details
Box office
- Budget
- $693,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 35 minutes
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1
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