Excuse

About This Movie

Excuse (1939) has this unusual blend of somber drama and social commentary. The premise—a lady trying to adopt a gypsy boy only to end up with a child who's been dyed to look the part—offers a critique of societal norms around family and belonging. The pacing is a bit uneven, with some scenes dragging while others hit hard right when they need to. There's this palpable tension throughout, heightened by the performances that feel sincere yet raw. The practical effects, especially considering the era, are quite fascinating; they don't shy away from the emotional grit of the story. It's a film that lingers in the mind, digging at themes of identity and deception.

This film is quite the curiosity in collector circles, not just for its unique narrative, but also for its rarity. Finding a print can be a challenge, as it didn’t receive the same preservation efforts as more mainstream titles of its time. Its historical context makes it appealing to those interested in the evolution of social themes in cinema, and it’s certainly one of those lesser-known gems that can spark interesting conversations among collectors.