Svengali

1931
Approved
1h 21m

IMDb RATING

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John Barrymore and Marian Marsh in Svengali (1931)

Psychological Drama Psychological Horror Tragic Romance Drama Horror Romance

Through hypnotism and telepathic mind control, a sinister music maestro controls the singing voice, but not the heart, of the woman he loves.Through hypnotism and telepathic mind control, a sinister music maestro controls the singing voice, but not the heart, of the woman he loves.Through hypnotism and telepathic mind control, a sinister music maestro controls the singing voice, but not the heart, of the woman he loves.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.8/10

2.6K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Nominated for 2 Oscars
- 2 nominations total

Photos35

+ 27

Top cast16

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John Barrymore

Svengali

Marian Marsh

Trilby O'Farrell

Donald Crisp

The Laird

Bramwell Fletcher

Billie

Carmel Myers

Madame Honori

Luis Alberni

Gecko

Lumsden Hare

Monsieur Taffy

Paul Porcasi

Bonelli

Ferike Boros

Marta
(uncredited)

Adrienne D'Ambricourt

Mme. Vinard
(uncredited)

Yola d'Avril

Maid
(uncredited)

Rose Dione

Trilby's Mother
(uncredited)

Julia Griffith

Concertgoer
(uncredited)

Henry Otto

Man with Opera Glasses
(uncredited)

Sam Savitsky

Townsman
(uncredited)

Ellinor Vanderveer

Concertgoer
(uncredited)

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Roadblock

Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
This pre-Code film stirred controversy due its nude modeling scene featuring a teenage Marian Marsh. The actress wore a body stocking for the scene and, in the long shot where she runs from the room, an older body double was used instead of her.

Goofs
In the bathtub, Svengali says "Gott strafe England" ("God punish England"). This saying was created by German-Jewish poet Ernst Lissauer (1882-1937) during WWI. However, Svengali (1931) takes place during the mid-19th century.

Quotes
Trilby O'Farrell: Svengali, I've tried, but I...
Svengali: Ja, ja, ja, ja. But you know very well why you can't. It is the magnificent young Englander. The head of the Purity Brigade. Sir Galahad. This stiff-necked little Billie... What is he, Liebchen? With his silly paints in one hand, and these twiddling brushes of pig's bristles in the other... What does he amount to, compared to Svengali? Ah, he paints his silly pictures and sends them to London, where they hang up on the wall like... dead soldiers on parade. And the people pass in a long procession - "ah" - and yawn.
Svengali: [continues, gesturing dramatically] Svengali will go to London himself, where he will be all alone on the platform. And princesses, and countesses, and serene highnesses will *fling* him their jewels, and applaud him, and invite him to their palaces! And he will take you with him, Liebchen, and never look at *them.* Da, we could be so happy!
Trilby O'Farrell: But I... I don't like palaces.
Svengali: No. Nor anything else that other women like. Except the little Bi--. Look at me .. in the eyes!
[He hypnotizes Trilby and she closes her eyes]
Svengali: Open your eyes.
Trilby O'Farrell: Oh .. I *do* love you.
Svengali: Ah, close your eyes.
Trilby O'Farrell: I love...
Svengali: Ah, don't say it. You are beautiful, my manufactured love. But it is only Svengali talking to himself again.

Connections
Featured in When the Talkies Were Young (1955)

Soundtracks
Ben Bolt (Oh Don't You Remember)
(uncredited)
Music by Nelson Kneass
Lyrics by Thomas Dunn English from his poem
Performed by Marian Marsh

User reviews62

Review

Featured review

I bought this DVD, and am thankful I did.

I saw this mysterious movie made in 1931 on TV once and was amazed. I never saw it again so I decided to buy the DVD. Great movie about a maestro who hypmotizes a 17 year old girl in a futile effort to win her love. The make up is incredible and the sets are obviously inspired by the cabinet of Dr. Caligri (another great film). John Barrymore looked creepy in the makeup and was great as Svengali. The movie is a tad racey for the era in which it was filmed. This movie delivers on all cylinders.