radio-16 Reviews

Voice in the Wind (1944)

Arthur Ripleys finest work. A film well worth watching.

[10/10 · 30 January 2011]

While at the UCLA film division, I took a class in film directing from Arthur Ripley, the writer and director of VOICE IN THE WIND. Produced independently at a time when few films were being made outside the studio system, Ripley poured his heart and soul into this film. He showed a 35mm print in class and I watched it in awe. It is a character driven film with excellent performances by Francis Lederer, Sigrid Gurie, Alexander Granich and J. Carol Naish. I only wish I was able to see the film again. I have been searching for it, to no avail. Prints are not to be found. No DVDs are available. I know some film collectors have copies, but getting a DVD out of any one of them is near impossible. How can justice be given to this rare and beautiful film without seeing it. Lederer's gradual restoring of memory is so well handled it is wonderful to watch his emotions change from grief to joy. Hunt for a copy of this film. If you find it, you will not be disappointed!