An English explorer disturbed by the practices of an isolated tribe attempts to rescue a native girl he has become fascinated with. THE DEVIL DANCER was highly praised at time of release for its exquisite cinematography, especially in the use of light and shadow. The film received an Academy Award nomination in this category. Sadly, it is among the lost. No prints or negatives are known to survive.
Cinematography
Oscar-nominated chiaroscuro that critics raved about — now vapor.
Acting
Gilda Gray's 'shimmy' made her the IT girl of 1927.

Director
Fred Niblo
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The 'lost film' phenomenon: roughly 75% of all silent features are gone, including 80% of films from 1927-1929.
Gilda Gray invented the 'shimmy' and was so famous she played herself in talkies — yet this, her dramatic showcase, evaporated.