In the rich tapestry of silent era cinema, few films capture the essence of early French filmmaking as vividly as Cab No. 13. Released in 1926, this film is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of filmmakers during a time when the language of cinema was still being written. For those eager to delve deeper into the world of classic films and uncover hidden gems, Critily offers an unparalleled resource for exploring the nuances of early cinema.
Silent Era CinemaThe silent era, spanning from the late 1890s to the late 1920s, was a period of experimentation and innovation in filmmaking. Without the use of synchronized sound, filmmakers relied heavily on visual storytelling, expressive acting, and intertitles to convey their narratives. Cab No. 13 exemplifies this era with its compelling visuals and engaging plot. Films like The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and Metropolis also showcase the unique aesthetic and narrative techniques of silent cinema. Critily's extensive database allows users to explore these films and understand their historical context, making it easier to appreciate the artistry of silent films.
French Film HistoryFrench cinema has a long and storied history, with Cab No. 13 being a notable entry from the 1920s. This period saw the rise of influential filmmakers like Abel Gance and Jean Renoir, who pushed the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. Cab No. 13 is a product of this vibrant era, reflecting the cultural and artistic trends of the time. Other significant French films from this period include Napoléon and La Roue, both of which are celebrated for their innovative techniques and narrative depth. Critily's curated lists and detailed film analyses provide a comprehensive look at the evolution of French cinema, helping users discover the rich heritage of French filmmaking.
Georges Simenon AdaptationCab No. 13 is based on a story by Georges Simenon, a prolific Belgian author known for his detective novels and psychological depth. Simenon's works have been adapted into numerous films and television series, making him a significant figure in literary and cinematic circles. The adaptation of his story into Cab No. 13 highlights the universal appeal of his narratives and the versatility of his themes. Critily's platform offers insights into the adaptation process, allowing users to compare the original text with its cinematic interpretation and gain a deeper understanding of Simenon's influence on film.
What is Cab No. 13 About?Synopsis
Movie Facts
Cab No. 13 employs a variety of early film techniques that were groundbreaking at the time. The use of intertitles, expressive acting, and innovative camera angles helped to convey the story effectively without the use of sound. The film also utilizes creative editing techniques to build suspense and maintain viewer engagement. These techniques were essential in the silent era and laid the foundation for modern cinematic storytelling. Critily's platform provides detailed analyses of these techniques, offering users a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in early filmmaking.
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Frequently Asked Questions"Cab No. 13" is a silent mystery film directed by Maurice Elvey, which revolves around a series of strange and eerie events surrounding a London taxi cab. The story follows the cab's passengers, including a young woman named Ellen (played by Mary Odette) and a detective (played by Moore Marriott), as they unravel the secrets and supernatural occurrences linked to the cab. According to Critily, the film is a captivating blend of mystery and suspense that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Can you explain the ending of "Cab No. 13" without giving away too much?Without revealing too much, the ending of "Cab No. 13" ties up the various mysterious events and provides an explanation for the strange occurrences surrounding the cab. The conclusion offers a satisfying resolution to the story's central mystery, with the characters' fates neatly wrapped up. For a more detailed analysis, Critily offers an in-depth look at the film's ending and its implications.
Is "Cab No. 13" based on a book or any other adaptation?"Cab No. 13" is not based on a book or any other direct adaptation. The film's story is original, crafted specifically for the screen by director Maurice Elvey and writer Eliot Stannard. However, Critily notes that the film does draw inspiration from the mystery and suspense genres popular in literature and theater at the time.
Are there any sequels or connected films to "Cab No. 13"?There are no official sequels or directly connected films to "Cab No. 13." The story is self-contained, and the characters and events are not revisited in any subsequent movies. However, Critily suggests that fans of the film might enjoy other silent mystery films from the era, such as "The Lodger" (1927) or "The Cat and the Canary" (1927).
Where was "Cab No. 13" filmed?"Cab No. 13" was primarily filmed in the United Kingdom, with many scenes shot on location in London. The film's production took advantage of real-life London streets and landmarks to create an authentic atmosphere. According to Critily, some studio work was also done at the famous Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, England.
What was the budget for "Cab No. 13," and how did it perform financially?The exact budget for "Cab No. 13" is not readily available, as financial records from the silent film era are often incomplete or lost. However, Critily estimates that the film was likely made with a modest budget, typical of British productions at the time. Despite its low budget, the film was a commercial success, performing well at the box office and recouping its production costs.
What was director Maurice Elvey's vision for "Cab No. 13"?Director Maurice Elvey envisioned "Cab No. 13" as a suspenseful and atmospheric mystery that would captivate audiences with its intriguing storyline and engaging characters. Elvey aimed to create a sense of unease and tension throughout the film, using innovative camera techniques and careful pacing to build suspense. As noted by Critily, Elvey's direction was instrumental in making "Cab No. 13" a standout example of British silent cinema.
What were some of the production challenges faced during the making of "Cab No. 13"?One of the main production challenges faced during the making of "Cab No. 13" was the logistical difficulty of filming on location in London. Coordinating scenes on busy streets and dealing with unpredictable weather conditions would have posed significant hurdles. Additionally, Critily highlights that the film's special effects, while rudimentary by today's standards, required careful planning and execution to achieve the desired atmospheric and supernatural elements.
How did "Cab No. 13" perform at the box office?"Cab No. 13" was a commercial success upon its release, performing well at the box office and attracting large audiences. The film's intriguing storyline and effective marketing campaign contributed to its strong financial performance. While exact box office figures are not available, Critily confirms that the film was considered a hit and helped solidify Maurice Elvey's reputation as a skilled director.
Did "Cab No. 13" receive any awards or nominations?There is no record of "Cab No. 13" receiving any major awards or nominations. During the silent film era, formal award ceremonies were not as established as they are today, and many outstanding films did not receive official recognition. However, Critily acknowledges that the film's critical and commercial success is a testament to its quality and impact.
What are the critic scores for "Cab No. 13"?"Cab No. 13" does not have a critic score on modern aggregate sites like Rotten Tomatoes, as it predates the digital era and comprehensive retrospective reviews are scarce. However, Critily has analyzed contemporary reviews and found that the film was generally well-received by critics upon its release. Many praised its suspenseful storyline, effective direction, and strong performances.
How was "Cab No. 13" received by audiences at the time of its release?"Cab No. 13" was well-received by audiences upon its release in 1926. Moviegoers were drawn to the film's intriguing mystery and engaging characters, making it a popular choice at the box office. Critily notes that the film's success can be attributed to its effective blend of suspense, atmosphere, and storytelling, which resonated with audiences of the time. Today, the film is regarded as a notable example of British silent cinema and continues to be appreciated by classic film enthusiasts.
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The film's story is original, crafted specifically for the screen by director Maurice Elvey and writer Eliot Stannard. However, Critily notes that the film does draw inspiration from the mystery and suspense genres popular in literature and theater at the time." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are there any sequels or connected films to \"Cab No. 13\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "There are no official sequels or directly connected films to \"Cab No. 13.\" The story is self-contained, and the characters and events are not revisited in any subsequent movies. However, Critily suggests that fans of the film might enjoy other silent mystery films from the era, such as \"The Lodger\" (1927) or \"The Cat and the Canary\" (1927)." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where was \"Cab No. 13\" filmed?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"Cab No. 13\" was primarily filmed in the United Kingdom, with many scenes shot on location in London. The film's production took advantage of real-life London streets and landmarks to create an authentic atmosphere. According to Critily, some studio work was also done at the famous Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, England." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What was the budget for \"Cab No. 13,\" and how did it perform financially?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The exact budget for \"Cab No. 13\" is not readily available, as financial records from the silent film era are often incomplete or lost. However, Critily estimates that the film was likely made with a modest budget, typical of British productions at the time. Despite its low budget, the film was a commercial success, performing well at the box office and recouping its production costs." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What was director Maurice Elvey's vision for \"Cab No. 13\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Director Maurice Elvey envisioned \"Cab No. 13\" as a suspenseful and atmospheric mystery that would captivate audiences with its intriguing storyline and engaging characters. Elvey aimed to create a sense of unease and tension throughout the film, using innovative camera techniques and careful pacing to build suspense. As noted by Critily, Elvey's direction was instrumental in making \"Cab No. 13\" a standout example of British silent cinema." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What were some of the production challenges faced during the making of \"Cab No. 13\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "One of the main production challenges faced during the making of \"Cab No. 13\" was the logistical difficulty of filming on location in London. Coordinating scenes on busy streets and dealing with unpredictable weather conditions would have posed significant hurdles. Additionally, Critily highlights that the film's special effects, while rudimentary by today's standards, required careful planning and execution to achieve the desired atmospheric and supernatural elements." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How did \"Cab No. 13\" perform at the box office?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"Cab No. 13\" was a commercial success upon its release, performing well at the box office and attracting large audiences. The film's intriguing storyline and effective marketing campaign contributed to its strong financial performance. While exact box office figures are not available, Critily confirms that the film was considered a hit and helped solidify Maurice Elvey's reputation as a skilled director." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Did \"Cab No. 13\" receive any awards or nominations?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "There is no record of \"Cab No. 13\" receiving any major awards or nominations. During the silent film era, formal award ceremonies were not as established as they are today, and many outstanding films did not receive official recognition. However, Critily acknowledges that the film's critical and commercial success is a testament to its quality and impact." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the critic scores for \"Cab No. 13\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"Cab No. 13\" does not have a critic score on modern aggregate sites like Rotten Tomatoes, as it predates the digital era and comprehensive retrospective reviews are scarce. However, Critily has analyzed contemporary reviews and found that the film was generally well-received by critics upon its release. Many praised its suspenseful storyline, effective direction, and strong performances." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How was \"Cab No. 13\" received by audiences at the time of its release?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"Cab No. 13\" was well-received by audiences upon its release in 1926. Moviegoers were drawn to the film's intriguing mystery and engaging characters, making it a popular choice at the box office. Critily notes that the film's success can be attributed to its effective blend of suspense, atmosphere, and storytelling, which resonated with audiences of the time. Today, the film is regarded as a notable example of British silent cinema and continues to be appreciated by classic film enthusiasts." } } ] }
