Svengali/Hamlet Screen Test

Director: Archie Mayo Archie Mayo

Overview

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

Product Details

Release Date:	12/16/2022
UPC:	0762185054826
Original Release:	1931
Rating:	NR
Source:	Reelclassicdvd
Language:	English
Time:	1:27:00
Sales rank:	57,896

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

John Barrymore	Svengali
Marian Marsh	Trilby O'Farrell
Bramwell Fletcher	Billee
Donald Crisp	The Laird
Lumsden Hare	Taffy
Carmel Myers	Honori
Luis Alberni	Gecko
Paul Porcasi	Manager
Ferike Boros	Marta
Adrienne d'Ambricourt	Mme. Vinard
Yola D'Avril	Maid

Technical Credits

J. Grubb Alexander

Archie Mayo	Director
J. Grubb Alexander	Screenwriter