Available to stream from 14 to16 August 2024 at https://stummfilmtage.culturebase.org
An intimate relationship drama from the heyday of German silent film that portrays the downfall of an initially happy married couple who descend into increasing strife due to reciprocal jealousy. With its simple story and limited settings, the film derives much of its appeal from the emotional performances of the two main actors, and Karl Grune’s elegant staging that occasionally recalls his most famous film, the expressionist masterpiece THE STREET (1923). The screening in Bonn marks the world premiere of DFF’s new digital restoration.
The husband and wife attend a play written by a mutual friend, which is based on jealousy causing murder. The couple, at dinner later, twit the author about his theme and insist that no modern husband would choke his wife to death through jealousy. The author differs with them and plans a clever and insidious campaign to cause jealousy to enter their lives, just to prove his point.
A clever picturization of how a pair of newlyweds intensely in love can be roused to murder through jealousy, against their own will. Intelligent audiences and married people will relish this one. Werner Krauss is splendid in an infrequent straight characterization and Lya de Putti never did better work in a straight role. Alexander is adequate. The director did a brainy job and his handling of Krauss is masterly.
Exhibitors Daily Review, 8.12.1928