1921 Camille

Camille is a 1921 silent film starring Rudolph Valentino and Alla Nazimova. It is one of numerous screen adaptations of La Dame aux Camélias by Alexandre Dumas, fils. The original play opened in Paris in 1852. The film moves the setting of the story to 1920s Paris, and includes many lavish Art Deco sets, including that of Marguerite's apartment. Natacha Rambova, who would later become Valentino's second wife, was the movie's art director.

 SYNOPSIS: Camille is a courtesan in Paris. She falls deeply in love with a young man of promise, Armand Duval. When Armand's father begs her not to ruin his hope of a career and position by marrying Armand, she acquiesces and leaves her lover. However, when poverty and terminal illness overwhelm her, Camille discovers that Armand has not lost his love for her.

Directed by Ray C. Smallwood Produced by Metro Pictures Corporation Written by Alexandre Dumas, fils/June Mathis(adaptation) Starring Rudolph Valentino, Alla Nazimova Distributed by Metro Pictures Corporation Release date(s) September 26, 1921 Running time is approx. 70 minutes (contemporary edit) Country United States Language Silent film, English title cards.

Watch at The Internet Archive or via CinemaVintage, below.