Trilby (Silent)

Trilby O'Farrell poses nude for starving artists in the Latin Quarter of Paris, until she crosses paths with the dark genius, Svengali. Using hypnosis, he bends the young woman's will, transforming her from a common party girl into a brilliant singer. Kidnapping Trilby, the diabolical fiend travels the continent with her, reaping fame and fortune for himself at the cost of the poor girl's soul. As long as Svengali lives, Trilby will be a mindless marionette with a beautiful voice and a vacant stare. A chance encounter at a command performance offers the girl one slim chance to escape from Svengali's evil clutches.

This compelling and stylish silent classic, based on the novel by artist George du Maurier, was brought to the screen by gifted director Maurice Tourneur (Treasure Island - 1920, Last of the Mohicans - 1920, The Mysterious Island - 1923.) Leading lady Clara Kimball Young, at the time the #1 box office actress, was married to James Young, a successful director who filmed his own version of du Maurier's story just seven years later.

• silent