One of my first memories of high school was sitting in freshman English and preparing to read Richard Connell’s short story “The Most Dangerous Game.” We discussed the potential meaning of the title as the teacher asked us “what do you believe is the most dangerous game?” Students answered with things like “life” and “love” as we were basically stumped. We never fathomed that the title meant what we were to find out shortly. The Most Dangerous Game has nothing to do with love, but Count Zaroff’s (Leslie Banks) psychotic hunt of other human beings.
Irving Pichel and Ernest B. Shoedsack’s 1932 adaptation of the famed short story depicts the journey of shipmate Bob Rainsford (Joel McCrea) as his ship wrecks not far from where the aforementioned Count Zaroff lives. He soon encounters Zaroff and is forced to face the harsh reality that he, like many before him, must play The Most Dangerous Game. As he, and his newfound lover, Eve (Fay Wray), run for their lives and attempt to outsmart the enemy, they will learn a thing or two about the difficulties of being the hunted and of life itself. Can Bob and Eve survive the night as the renowned hunter is hot on their tracks?
It’s the 1930’s and film, for the most part is a new art form. Audiences at that time are amazed at what is put in front of them, however, having experienced more than one hundred years worth of cinema, modern audiences often struggle to appreciate films from this era. There are many aspects of this film, however, that stand the test of time and allow audiences with experience to appreciate what is being done here. I believe the most important part of ensuring that audiences don’t reject The Most Dangerous Game is creating sets that reflect what expectations those audiences might have. We need elaborate sets that justify the hunt that takes place throughout the film. Thomas Little, the man in charge of the film’s sets, goes above and beyond, creating sets and scenery that justify the film’s plot and the characters’ struggle. Some modern sets--regardless of whether they are natural or manmade--do not reflect the attention to detail seen in The Most Dangerous Game. As a member of this film, in any regard, I think it is safe to say that I would be tremendously proud of what was accomplished in such an early stage of cinema.
Acting is another aspect of early filmmaking that is sometimes a turnoff to modern audiences. They struggle to find conviction in actors’ performances and often make determinations on the film based on the acting. McCrea breaks that stigma of older actors lacking the necessary tangibles to deliver like modern performers do. He, especially compared to the other actors, exhibits a genuine passion and understanding of what is expected of him. He nails the more emotionally driven scenes and finds ways to ensure that audiences understand what he is trying to convey. The Most Dangerous Game relies heavily on emotion, and, without it, the story that Connell so brilliantly constructed a decade before would be lost. Some of the other stars struggle to convey emotion the way that McCrea does, making him a prominent part of the film’s success.
The story, while adapted well enough to find success, leaves out some necessary character development. Yes, the original text is only forty-six pages in length, but it contains the character development essential to buying into the story and appreciating the characters. Even with McCrea’s acting, I find it difficult to root for him throughout The Most Dangerous Game because I do not know enough about him. I want (and need) more context in order to fully understand where the characters are coming from and to be able to find a rooting interest in the film. Fortunately, the story has been adapted well enough that I am still able to appreciate the sentiment behind the story and the characters’ struggles.
“The Most Dangerous Game” is a story that is still being adapted into screenplays (most recently with The Hunt). The first ever adaptation of the famed short story, The Most Dangerous Game, does an impeccable job of presenting the story to audiences who are both familiar and unfamiliar with the story. It’s fun, emotional and (for the most part) true to the original text. The Most Dangerous Game has, in many ways, flown under the radar for years, being neglected in conversations of successful older films. I’d like to tell you that it deserves recognition for its successes and its ability to reach audiences at such a crucial time in film history.
Directed by Irving Pichel & Ernest B. Schoedsack. Written by James Ashmore Creelman & Richard Connell. Starring Joel McCrea, Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, Leslie Banks, Noble Johnson, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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