The Informer (1929) in Color — Starring Lya De Putti & Lars Hanson

The Informer (1929) — Buy This Classic in Color

Experience the haunting silent-era drama of The Informer (1929) colorized in stunning HD quality. Directed by Arthur Robison, this atmospheric tale of betrayal and redemption during the Irish rebellion stars Lars Hanson and the captivating Lya De Putti in a gripping story of guilt, desperation, and moral ruin. Now available as an instant, DRM-free digital download for only €15.00.

Plot Summary

In the turbulent streets of 1920s Dublin during the Irish War of Independence, unemployed labourer Gypo Nolan (Lars Hanson) faces an agonizing moral crossroads. Once a loyal member of the Irish Republican movement, Gypo now drifts through the fog-shrouded city in poverty, unable to find honest work and increasingly desperate. His beloved Katie Fox (Lya De Putti) dreams of escaping their misery and starting a new life abroad, but passage costs money they do not have.

When Gypo spots a British wanted poster offering a substantial reward for information on his fugitive IRA comrade Francis McPhillip, temptation overwhelms conscience. He betrays Francis to the authorities for cash. With blood money burning in his pockets, Gypo attempts to drown his mounting guilt in drink and reckless spending through the fog-shrouded Dublin streets, buying rounds for strangers and throwing coins at beggars in a pathetic attempt at self-absolution.

But the IRA court of inquiry is already convening, and Gypo’s erratic behaviour draws immediate suspicion from his former comrades. His fabricated alibis crumble one by one under questioning, and the net closes tighter with every passing hour. Robison’s German Expressionist visual style transforms Dublin itself into a nightmarish landscape of towering shadows, spectral fog, and menacing silhouettes, making Gypo’s psychological torment viscerally palpable. The film builds toward a devastating climax of confession, retribution, and a desperate plea for forgiveness that ranks among the most powerful sequences in silent cinema.

Cast & Crew

Director: Arthur Robison
Stars: Lars Hanson delivers a towering, physically commanding performance as Gypo Nolan, the tortured informer whose desperation leads to an act of betrayal that consumes him from within. Lya De Putti brings smouldering intensity and heartbreaking vulnerability as Katie Fox, the woman whose love inadvertently triggers the tragedy. Warwick Ward and Carl Harbord provide strong dramatic support in this influential British silent film that would later inspire John Ford’s celebrated 1935 Academy Award-winning remake.

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

This professionally colorized edition transforms the film’s German Expressionist visuals into a richly atmospheric experience. Muted tones of foggy Dublin nights, the warm glow of gaslit pub interiors, and stark shadows of pursuit and paranoia enhance the emotional turmoil and visual poetry. The colorization brings depth and texture to every cobblestoned alley, rain-soaked confrontation, and dimly lit courtroom. Now also available in colour.

Buy now for an instant, secure digital download with no DRM restrictions. Compatible with all devices that play MP4 files.

Historical Significance

Released in 1929, The Informer is a landmark British silent film directed by German Expressionist Arthur Robison, adapted from Liam O’Flaherty’s celebrated 1925 novel. It served as the direct inspiration for John Ford’s 1935 Oscar-winning adaptation starring Victor McLaglen, which won four Academy Awards. The original captures the anguish of betrayal during Ireland’s bloody fight for independence with raw authenticity, blending thriller tension with profound moral drama that resonates through cinema history. Through colorization, this important piece of early cinema and Irish cultural history is preserved for modern audiences.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Yes — professionally restored frame-by-frame
• Audio: Musical score accompaniment
• Runtime: 83 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — play anywhere, keep forever
• Instant download: Yes — available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Is this the same film as John Ford’s 1935 version?
A: No, this is the original 1929 British silent film directed by Arthur Robison. Ford’s celebrated 1935 version is a separate adaptation of the same Liam O’Flaherty novel that won four Academy Awards.

Q: Is this a silent film?
A: Yes, this is a silent film with English intertitles and a musical score accompaniment, preserving the authentic silent-era dramatic experience.

Q: What makes this version historically important?
A: This is the rare original adaptation that directly inspired Ford’s classic, featuring stunning German Expressionist cinematography and powerful performances that stand on their own merits.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as a high-quality MP4 file compatible with all modern devices and media players.

Q: Is there DRM protection?
A: No. The download is completely DRM-free — you own it outright and can play it on any device forever.

Q: How do I receive the film after purchase?
A: You receive an instant download link immediately after payment. A backup copy of the link is also sent to your email address.

Related Colorized Classics

• London After Midnight (1927) Minoru Production
• Odd Man Out (1947)
• London After Midnight (1927) Metro Production
• The Son of the Sheik (1926) Special Edition
• The Last Command (1928)