Svengali
Seen it?1931 | 81 min | Drama, Horror, Romance
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (80% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite a box office flop. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics and horror fans. If you loved Leave Her to Heaven or A Place in the Sun, start here.
- The mood
- Scary, warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 21 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1931: an older pace and style.
In late 19th-century Paris, a sinister musical maestro uses hypnotism to control an artist's model named Trilby, turning her into a famous opera singer.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
80% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 2 Oscars.
- Box office & staying powerWeak
$1 million worldwide
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 25K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Archie Mayo
- John BarrymoreSvengali
- Marian MarshTrilby O'Farrell
- Donald CrispThe Laird
- Bramwell FletcherBillee
- Carmel MyersMadame Honorine
- Luis AlberniGecko
- Lumsden HareMonsieur Taffy
- Paul PorcasiBonelli
- Ferike BorosMarta (uncredited)
- Adrienne D'AmbricourtMme. Vinard (uncredited)