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Svengali (1931)

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Top Critics

Average Rating: 6.7/10
Reviews Counted: 5
Fresh: 4 | Rotten: 1

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Release Date: Dec 31, 1931 Wide

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Average Rating: 3.6/5
User Ratings: 686

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Movie Info

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

Unrated, 1 hr. 16 min.

Drama, Mystery & Suspense, Classics

Directed By: Archie Mayo

Written By: J. G. Alexander, George L. Du Maurier

In Theaters: Dec 31, 1931 Wide

On DVD: Dec 18, 2007

Cast

John Barrymore
Svengali
Marian Marsh
Trilby
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

Critic Reviews for Svengali

All Critics (7) | Top Critics (2) | Fresh (4) | Rotten (1)

Vintage old-fashioned psychological melodrama about the evil use of mind-control.

March 24, 2006 Full Review Source: Ozus' World Movie Reviews

| Comment

Dennis Schwartz

Ozus' World Movie Reviews

One of the best -- and most overlooked -- early talkie horror films. Barrymore is magnetic in the lead.

March 29, 2004 Comment

Ken Hanke

Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

Movies this old seem to come from another planet.

March 16, 2004 Full Review Source: Apollo Guide

| Comment

Scott Weinberg

Apollo Guide

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Audience Reviews for Svengali

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Great story, actors, and the ending is perfect. I loved this movie.

September 3, 2010

AJ Verser

Super Reviewer

Okay, you know his Granddaughter (or is that Great-Granddaughter?) Drew, now, see the Master, John, in one of his greatest roles. He is an amazing actor by anyone's standards. A gripping, fun film.

May 13, 2009

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