THE MERRY WIDOW
starring John Gilbert and Mae Murray
MOTION PICTURE MAGAZINE
December, 1925
A different Stroheim comes forward with "The Merry Widow" -- a more gentle, humorous Stroheim who, because of his Continental slant on things, has made a gorgeous picture from the famous operetta. His penchant for showing crass effects is gone. And he's brought forth a different Mae Murray. She becomes a fascinating actress, subject to all the moods of her sex, tho these moods are always under control. John Gilbert as the dashing prince gives the most robust performance of the year. A fat part, he animates it with unbounded charm and vigor. Keeping close at his heels is Roy D'Arcy as the leering heir of the kingdom.
THE MERRY WIDOW
starring John Gilbert and Mae Murray
PHOTOPLAY
October, 1925
Unless the spectacle of John Gilbert in twenty dashing uniforms has dazzled us into utter incompetency, this is one of those fatal pictures that is going to cause untold havoc. The adaptation of Franz Lehar's great light opera is successful beyond the most glowing hopes, and it has so much gay beauty, high romance and brilliant spectacle that you can scarcely believe it is the work of the same Erich von Stroheim who directed the sordid "Greed."
Certainly he seemed to be right at home when he set forth the most sophisticated love story ever presented on the screen. There are moments in the picture that are either going to kill or cure the censors. But most of them are redeemed by a fine strain of romance the first time that Von Stroheim has ever caught this illusive quality.
But best of all there is John Gilbert in a role that ought to make him the greatest of them all. Gilbert is not only a Gift to the Girls but he has qualities that redeem him for the men. There is, for instance, the scene in which he crowns the weakling crown prince with a vase. And he knows how to act, too; his Prince Danilo is a human being. However, let's rush on and say some nice things about Mae Murray. Hers, too, is a fine performance; well shaded, deftly drawn and, above all, bewitching to the eye. As a matter of fact, Miss Murray is largely responsible for the picture in its production and had to fight her director every inch of the way to its finish. Another magnificent performance is given by Roy D'Arcy. As for the waltz scene, it is one of those lyric moments you'll never forget.'
However, just one more word. Tell the children if they go to "The Merry Widow," Santa Claus won't bring them anything for Christmas. But don't miss it yourself.
Source: Turner