Backdrop preview Escapade backdrop
Escapade

Escapade (1935)

Jul 05, 1935 1h 32m Romance Comedy

A romantic comedy-drama-musical of mistaken identity, infidelity and farce, set in Vienna at the turn of the 20th century.

Directed by Robert Z. Leonard

Cast

View All

Crew

Director
  • Robert Z. Leonard
Producer
  • Robert Z. Leonard
  • Walter Reisch

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!
Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

Escapade represents a fascinating example of Romance/Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Robert Z. Leonard brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1935, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Escapade took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 135 minutes long.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 1935, when this film was released:
  • The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
  • The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While Escapade shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Bitter Sweet, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Escapade subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Come, Sweet Death and Die Deutschmeister explore similar territory, Escapade stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: July 5, 1935
  • Runtime: 1h 32m

Similar Movies