While not all silent films are equal, just because a film isn't absolutely outstanding doesn't mean it can't still be reasonably enjoyable. 'The signal tower' tells the type of story that sometimes lets viewers predict the course of events 2-3 steps ahead or more with each beat that's laid out before us. Some older movies are more overt than others when it comes to expression of antiquated social norms and values, and at least in part this is surely one of them; some pictures of the silent era come off as more staged and contrived than natural and nuanced, and this perhaps falls somewhere in the middle. Suffice to say that this is perhaps not wholly essential, and anyone who isn't already enamored of the timeframe might not find anything here to change their minds. Still, it's suitably entertaining on its own merits, and a decent way to spend 80 minutes.
In fairness, this feature adopts a slightly different tack at a couple points than what I anticipated. Its characters may be customary stock material, but they're sufficient to occupy the necessary spaces in the narrative as it advances. Less than perfectly remarkable as it may ultimately be - less a few specific details, much of the saga could be transplanted to any setting outside of the railroads - the plot is nonetheless duly engaging (even increasingly so) as recognizable threads play out. The scene writing seems especially strong, focused and often carrying tension of one kind or another as it builds the story bit by bit. Slowly growing investment in the tale is lent a hand by fine performances from the cast, with Rockliffe Fellowes, Virginia Valli, and Wallace Beery carrying most of the weight; the production design is swell, and I think Clarence Brown's direction is capable, too. Where practical effects are employed, they're done well.
'The signal tower' does build momentum heading into its climax, a progression that's maybe a little uneven, but which serves all the same to fasten one's attention as the drama mounts. That climax is actually pretty fantastic, more than I assumed at the outset, with excellent cinematography and editing adjoining the robust acting and direction to round out a stretch of film that proves to be the best part of the feature. When all is said and done there are rough edges here, and the simple fact of the matter is that as it presents the narrative is spotty - at times common and ordinary to the point that countless other silent pictures come to call; at its heartiest, engrossing and compelling. I don't think there's anything truly missing here, it's just that the tale comes off like the sort of cheap and quickly produced novel that's churned out a dime a dozen to cater to a dependably spendthrift audience - the 1920s equivalent of the romance novel. Yet for any faults or weaknesses, by and large I think this is overall better than I expected it would be. Again, no one who has a hard time abiding the silent era will have their mind changed here, and you don't need to go out of your way for it. If you have the chance to watch 'The signal tower,' however, at length it's a good time and deserves remembrance.
