Svengali (1931)
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83% of critics liked it
(6 reviews) -
75% of users liked it
(710 ratings)
The George du Maurier novel Trilby, about a hypnotist who controls a female musician, was originally filmed as Trilby, a 1920s silent. In the 1931 talkie, the emphasis shifts from the music student to the teacher, Svengali. John Barrymore gives a scenery-chewing performance as Svengali, who is… More The George du Maurier novel Trilby, about a hypnotist who controls a female musician, was originally filmed as Trilby, a 1920s silent. In the 1931 talkie, the emphasis shifts from the music student to the teacher, Svengali. John Barrymore gives a scenery-chewing performance as Svengali, who is originally seen tutoring Honori (Carmel Myers). Trilby (Marian Marsh) is making her living as a nude model, but she wants to use her musical talents to earn money and hopes to settle down with Billee (Bramwell Fletcher). Unfortunately, his upper-class family simply wouldn't approve. Svengali falls for Trilby and starts teaching her music while manipulating her hypnotically. Eventually, she becomes so dependent on him that she can't perform outside of his presence. This film became so well-known that the word "Svengali" became incorporated into the English language, meaning "someone who, with evil intent, tries to persuade another to do what is desired." A British version of the film was released in 1955. ~ Michael Betzold, Rovi
- Directed By
- Archie Mayo
- Written By
- J. G. Alexander, George L. Du Maurier
- Genres
- Drama, Mystery & Suspense, Classics
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Dec 31, 1931 Wide
Critic Reviews
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Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion
A peculiar, affecting ode to the tragic lecher
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Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Vintage old-fashioned psychological melodrama about the evil use of mind-control.
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Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
One of the best -- and most overlooked -- early talkie horror films. Barrymore is magnetic in the lead.
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Scott Weinberg, Apollo Guide
Movies this old seem to come from another planet.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
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Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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John Barrymore
as Svengali
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Marian Marsh
as Trilby
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Bramwell Fletcher
as Billee
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Donald Crisp
as The Laird
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Lumsden Hare
as Taffy
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Carmel Myers
as Honori
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Luis Alberni
as Gecko
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Paul Porcasi
as Manager
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Ferike Boros
as Marta
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Adrienne D'Ambricourt
as Mme. Vinard
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Yola d'Avril
as Maid
