The Informer (1929) Director: Arthur Robison Producer: Michael Balcon Based on: The Informer (1925 novel) by Liam O’Flaherty Starring: Lya De Putti, Lars Hanson, Carl Harbord, Warwick Ward, Bertie Lancaster Cinematography: Theodor Sparkuhl Studio: Gainsborough Pictures Distributor: Woolf & Freedman Film Service Release Date: November 11, 1929 (UK) Runtime: Approx. 98 minutes Format: Silent (with synchronized music and sound effects) | Black & White Country: United Kingdom Language: English intertitles Genre: Drama | Crime | Political --- Summary: The Informer (1929) is a British silent drama directed by Arthur Robison, adapted from Liam O’Flaherty’s acclaimed novel set during the Irish War of Independence. The film follows Gypo Nolan (Lars Hanson), an ex-IRA member who betrays his best friend, Francie McPhillip, to the British authorities for a cash reward. Haunted by guilt and paranoia, Gypo spirals into moral and emotional collapse as his betrayal comes to light. When the revolutionary organization learns of his treachery, Gypo becomes the hunted, facing the consequences of his actions in a society torn by conflict, loyalty, and survival. --- Background: Produced by Gainsborough Pictures, this version of The Informer is notable for being the first screen adaptation of O’Flaherty’s novel — predating John Ford’s 1935 Academy Award-winning remake by six years. Director Arthur Robison, best known for his 1923 German Expressionist masterpiece Warning Shadows, brings the same moody visual intensity to this story, using light and shadow to mirror Gypo’s moral decay. The cinematography by Theodor Sparkuhl gives the film a stark, haunting realism reflective of post-war disillusionment. --- Trivia: Though released during the transition to sound cinema, the film remained mostly silent, with a synchronized musical score and limited effects track. Lars Hanson, a major Swedish actor of the silent era, was known for his performances in The Scarlet Letter (1926) and The Wind (1928). The movie was considered lost for decades but later rediscovered and restored from surviving elements. The 1935 John Ford remake starring Victor McLaglen (who won an Oscar for the role) drew heavily from this version’s visual and emotional tone. --- Legacy: The Informer (1929) is an early masterpiece of British silent cinema and one of the last great productions before the sound revolution fully took hold. With its dark, expressionistic visuals and exploration of betrayal and conscience, it set the groundwork for later political dramas and noir storytelling. --- Hashtags: #TheInformer1929 #ArthurRobison #LarsHanson #LyaDePutti #GainsboroughPictures #SilentFilm #BritishCinema #IrishRebellion #LiamOFlaherty #ExpressionistCinema #ClassicDrama #1920sFilm #SilentEra #PreCode #LostFilm