Sunrise

Sunrise Photos

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Cast & Crew

George O'Brien
The Man (Anses)

Janet Gaynor
The Wife (Indre)

Margaret Livingston
The Woman from the City

Bodil Rosing
The Maid

J. Farrell MacDonald
The Photographer

Ralph Sipperly
The Barber

Jane Winton
The Manicure Girl

Arthur Housman
The Obtrusive Gentleman

Eddie Boland
The Obliging Gentleman

Sally Eilers
Woman in dance hall (uncredited)

Gino Corrado
Bit part (uncredited)

Barry Norton
Ballroom Dancer, Kissing Couple

Bob Kortman
Villager

Sidney Bracey
Dance hall manager (uncredited)

F.W. Murnau
Director

Hermann Sudermann
Writer

Carl Mayer
Writer

Katherine Hilliker
Writer

H.H. Caldwell
Writer

William Fox
Producer

Timothy Brock
Original Music

Hugo Riesenfeld
Original Music

R.H. Bassett
Original Music

Erno Rapee
Original Music

Richard Wagner
Non-Original Music

Charles Rosher
Cinematographer

Karl Struss
Cinematographer

Harold D. Schuster
Film Editing

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News & Interviews for Sunrise

Audience Reviews for Sunrise

• Jan 10, 2018

  Director F.W. Murnau made an outstanding film in 'Sunrise', which is an emotional drama and real visual treat. The story of temptation is simple and stripped down to the point of not even having character names for the principals (The Man, The Wife, and The Woman From the City), but the theme is timeless, and Murnau wastes no time getting to the tension. The simplicity may bother some, but I liked how tight the storytelling was. We really don't know which way the story is going to go, and at different times find ourselves horrified, touched, and even tickled during moments of levity. Janet Gaynor delivers a strong performance, and demonstrated real range to earn the first ever Oscar for best actress. She is very cute in the scenes where she's playful, such as when she dances with her husband. George O'Brien and Margaret Livingston are solid too, but what makes the film truly special is how far ahead of its time it was in its direction. Murnau uses overlays, imagined sequences, interesting camera angles, and flat-out beautiful cinematography from Charles Rosher and Karl Struss, and there are brilliant shots in the moonlight, on the water, and in the city. Poignant and artistic, this is one not to miss.
  Antonius B Super Reviewer
• Apr 07, 2013

  At his mistress's command, a man takes his wife on a boat ride in order to kill her, but he decides against it, and they have a lovely afternoon together. While the cinematography is quite charming and the superimposed images were probably revolutionary and striking in their time, the story of <i>Sunrise</i> is streamlined and not that interesting. We know early that the man isn't going to kill his wife, so there isn't any suspense on the boat, and what follows lacks any real, compelling conflict. Overall, for its technical achievements, <i>Sunrise</i> has been rightly praised, but its emotional effect is pretty close to nil.
  Jim H Super Reviewer
• Jun 23, 2012

  The ultimate silent film, released right after the talkies had already become a reality. Featuring some splendid superimpositions and impossible camera movements, this wonderful movie is both an impressive technical achievement and a beautiful story about love.
  Carlos M Super Reviewer
• Dec 10, 2011

  Quite simply beautiful. One of very few honest and poignant true love stories in cinema. It is very slow paced but highly worthwhile for its moments of romance, humour, tragedy and beauty. Murnau created a timeless silent film that stands up as perhaps one of the greatest films ever made.
  Shauna R Super Reviewer