Director Roland West remains largely overlooked nowadays by everyone except the most dedicated fans classic film He had a following back then, and his popularity was significant enough to get him prominent placement in ads for films such as "The Bat Whispers." In these promotions, West’s name was displayed at the top of the movie posters.
That silent film from 1930 was actually a remake of another movie directed by West just four years prior titled "The Bat." Both cinematic works greatly influenced comic book illustrator Bob Kane during his childhood. The visual elements depicted in these movies, particularly the image of a bat silhouette projected onto walls akin to a beacon, heavily inspired one of his most cherished and lasting creations. Batman .
Regardless of his impact on Kane’s famous superhero character, West merits thorough examination as a talented filmmaker known for crime dramas and suspenseful tales. His evocative visual approach anticipated more the classic era of film noir rather than DC Comics conventions. Over a span of 15 years, he helmed approximately 14 feature-length productions (pinpointing precise figures can be challenging due to the frequent loss of silent films). Numerous works showcase an opulent ambiance, dramatic contrasts between light and shadow, and a focus on humanity's darker aspects—themes that later became prominent during the 1940s.
When he was at his peak, as seen in the early sound film "Alibi," West created refreshingly contemporary explorations of criminality and justice. This Academy Award-nominated work scrutinizes crooked police officers alongside even worse villains, making it feel akin to an earlier version of James Ellroy’s narratives such as "L.A. Confidential." Now accessible via Blu-ray in a stunning release by Undercrank Productions, "The Bat" offers a lighter yet equally masterful approach to cinema. Both this film and "Alibi" benefited from the expertise of production designer William Cameron Menzies, who later worked on classics like "Gone With the Wind"; their visuals are remarkably impressive.
This achievement can be attributed not just to Menzies’ intricate set designs but also to their lighting; the film falls into the category of “old dark house” movies where various characters assemble in a secluded setting aiming to unmask a perpetrator amongst themselves (referred to as the 'Bat'). However, despite this setup, the movie doesn’t feel confined or suffocating. On the contrary, it’s a visual spectacle largely due to its cinematography, handled by Arthur Edeson, known for his work on classics such as "Frankenstein,” “The Maltese Falcon,” and “Casablanca.” He received support from Gregg Toland, later renowned for pioneering techniques in "Citizen Kane."
West, Edeson, and Menzies draw inspiration from German Expressionism to craft visually striking scenes throughout the film. The lively performances directed by West contribute numerous humorous moments that enhance and contrast with the tension-building sequences. Although many of West’s works are available solely through inconsistent uploads on platforms like YouTube, “The Bat” appears stunningly clear on Blu-ray due to Undercrank Productions' meticulous digital remastering sourced from 35mm reels conserved by the UCLA Film & Television Archive.
For many years, Undercrank has excelled at uncovering rare treasures from the era of silent films, and their release of "The Bat" stands out as one of their best yet. This edition boasts an impeccable restoration along with a dynamic contemporary soundtrack and a concise but enlightening docudrama about West’s life. Additionally, viewers get a supplementary short feature titled "A Fraternity Mix-Up." The included documentary offers insightful background on West’s cinematic contributions and sheds light on how a pioneering filmmaker who once enjoyed significant success fell into obscurity—largely due to the controversial demise of his professional companion and romantic interest, Thelma Todd, which tainted his reputation despite lack of evidence implicating him directly in her death.
After Todd passed away, West produced just one more film, the swashbuckling tale "Corsair," released in 1931 (where Todd performed using the alias Alison Loyd). By the time West died in 1952, the broader filmmaking community had largely overlooked him. However, his works continue to captivate audiences even a century later due to his penchant for pushing creative boundaries. For instance, when he revisited "The Bat" with "The Bat Whispers" in 1930, he filmed it in innovative 65mm wide-screen format and employed exceptionally intricate camera movements to blend the methods of silent films into early talking pictures. West merits recognition from cinema enthusiasts—and those who acknowledge his contributions find them richly rewarding.
The updated special edition Blu-ray of "The Bat" will be released soon. Undercrank Productions on October 15.
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