Murnau's final Hollywood film is widely underrated.

A solid, emotionally charged picture that bridges a gap between German expressionism and poetic realism.

Some of Murnau's genius remains in the lighting of individual shots, and particularly in a lyrical sequence in which a man (Charles Farrell), a woman (Mary Duncan), and Murnau's camera dance through a sunlit field.

Murnau's sense of evocative image and editorial rhythm greatly elevates it.