Frank Borzage Volume One: 7th Heaven, Street Angel

Frank Borzage, the sensitive actor-turned-director famed for his mystical romanticism created some of Hollywood’s most acclaimed and sensual films. This disc brings together two lavishly produced landmarks of the silent period by this visionary poet of desire.

Set in Paris on the eve of The Great War, 7th Heaven is a lyrical tale of transformational love in which sewage worker Chico and street waif Diane (Charles Farrell and Janet Gaynor) rise above their poverty-stricken lives to reach for the stars — neither war nor death can stand in their way.

Following the success of 7th Heaven, Borzage used Gaynor and Farrell again for Street Angel. This time the setting is Naples, where Angela (Gaynor), the ‘street angel’ of the title risks losing her lover Gino (Farrell) as she is forced to confront her past.

Janet Gaynor won the first ever Academy Award for Best Actress for her roles in 7th Heaven, Street Angel (and Murnau’s Sunrise) whilst Frank Borzage was awarded the Best Director of a Dramatic Picture.

• Illustrated booklet containing essays and credits.