The Devil | 1921 | Drama

Title: The Devil | 1921 | Drama Director: James Young Studio: Associated Exhibitors Inc. / Pathé Exchange Starring: George Arliss, Lucy Cotton, Sylvia Breamer, Edmund Lowe, Roland Bottomley, Florence Arliss Based on: Play *The Devil* by Ferenc Molnár Release Date: January 16 1921 Runtime: Approximately 60 minutes Format: Silent black and white with English intertitles Country: United States Language: Silent Genres: Drama --- Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction and gallery discussion 00:10:00 Dr. Müller’s first manipulations 00:20:00 Romantic jealousy escalating 00:30:00 Misunderstandings and conflict 00:40:00 Climactic confrontation 00:50:00 Resolution and triumph of good --- Summary: The Devil is a 1921 American silent drama film in which the suave and enigmatic Dr. Müller, embodying the Devil, sets out to challenge the belief that evil can never triumph over truth and goodness. Upon hearing a couple debate this notion at an art gallery, he orchestrates subtle manipulations and temptations designed to sow discord and jealousy among friends and lovers. As his schemes unfold against a backdrop of interpersonal relationships, these characters grapple with deceit, loyalty, and moral conflict. Despite Müller’s calculated efforts, love and virtue ultimately prevail, dispelling his influence. The film blends psychological drama with moral themes as it translates Ferenc Molnár’s stage play to the silent screen, using expressive performances and visual storytelling to explore how temptation and human fallibility interact in everyday life. --- Background: Directed by James Young and starring George Arliss in his first film role, The Devil was adapted from Molnár’s successful Broadway play and produced for Associated Exhibitors, with Pathé Exchange handling distribution. Long thought lost, a print of the film was rediscovered and preserved by the Library of Congress, allowing modern audiences to experience this morality tale from the early silent era. --- Trivia: The Devil marked the feature film debut of stage star George Arliss, who reprised his Broadway role for the screen. Future star Fredric March appears uncredited as a party guest. The story centers on the Devil’s psychological manipulations rather than supernatural spectacle. A 35mm print survives in the Library of Congress and has been restored with contemporary scores. --- Public Domain / Rights: Original Release: January 16 1921 Original Studio / Distributor: Associated Exhibitors Inc. / Pathé Exchange Copyright Status: Public Domain Renewal: Unknown --- Hashtags: #TheDevil1921 #GeorgeArliss #SilentFilm #Drama #ClassicCinema #PublicDomain