- Actors: David Kossoff, Paul Rogers, Derek Bond, Donald Wolfit, Terence Morgan
- Format: Black & White, Colour, Dolby, DVD-Video, Restored, Widescreen, PAL
- Language English
- Region: All Regions
- Aspect Ratio: 4:3 - 1.33:1
- Number of discs: 1
- Classification: Unrated (US MPAA rating. See details.)
- Studio: Vci Video
- DVD Release Date: 24 Feb 2009
- Run Time: 82 minutes
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B001NG4218
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 99,238 in Film & TV (See Top 100 in Film & TV)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Sir Donald Wolfit was one of the leading Shakespearean actors of his day and it is a matter of great regret that he was never asked to film any of his major interpretations, especially that of King Lear.
It is a matter of good fortune that Wolfit appears in the lead role of this film as the part was originally to be played by Robert Newton. The screenplay is based on the once-popular novel "Trilby" by George du Maurier which concerns a young artist's model (the Trilby of the title) who, although practically tone-deaf, is transformed into a great operatic star by the hypnotic powers possessed by the sinister Svengali.
It is no surprise that the film's title bears the name of the evil genius Svengali, rather than duMaurier's original title, as the charismatic Wolfit gives a performance of prime "ham" which proves itself a cynosure at the expense of all the other actors in the film...such, apparently, was his way in the theatre!
The background score is by master film composer, William Alwyn, and Hildegard Knef's singing voice in the operatic scenes, when Trilby is under Svengali's influence, was dubbed by Elisabeth Schwarzkopf.
All in all this is a hugely enjoyable piece of vintage melodrama and a valuable memento of one of this country's most notable actors.
It is a matter of good fortune that Wolfit appears in the lead role of this film as the part was originally to be played by Robert Newton. The screenplay is based on the once-popular novel "Trilby" by George du Maurier which concerns a young artist's model (the Trilby of the title) who, although practically tone-deaf, is transformed into a great operatic star by the hypnotic powers possessed by the sinister Svengali.
It is no surprise that the film's title bears the name of the evil genius Svengali, rather than duMaurier's original title, as the charismatic Wolfit gives a performance of prime "ham" which proves itself a cynosure at the expense of all the other actors in the film...such, apparently, was his way in the theatre!
The background score is by master film composer, William Alwyn, and Hildegard Knef's singing voice in the operatic scenes, when Trilby is under Svengali's influence, was dubbed by Elisabeth Schwarzkopf.
All in all this is a hugely enjoyable piece of vintage melodrama and a valuable memento of one of this country's most notable actors.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This 1954 color version of SVENGALI has always gotten the short end of the stick in my opinion. A lot of that has to do with the fact that it's always compared to the legendary 1931 version with John Barrymore but it's like comparing apples and oranges. This version has gorgeous color photography, is well lit, contains atmospheric studio sets (it looks like John Huston's MOULIN ROUGE) and it puts the emphasis back on Trilby rather than Svengali. After all TRILBY is Du Maurier's original title. Director Noel Langley, best known for his written adaptations of THE WIZARD OF OZ and Alastair Sim's SCROOGE, gets a more ensemble effect from his actors which allows for more character development from the supporting players especially Billie's artist friends. Just as in the Barrymore version, a number of liberties have been taken with the original story (though different liberties) especially the ending but remember this was England in the mid 1950s so certain allowances needed to be made. Chances are that if Barrymore's version had not been a pre-Code vehicle, made before 1934 when the Production Code began to be enforced, then the results might have been the same.
Most of the criticism regarding this version has been leveled at Hildegard Neff (actually Knef) who makes no attempt to hide her German origins when Trilby is supposed to be Irish. Although it can be disconcerting at first, the further you get into the movie the more she seems like Trilby especially after she embarks on her singing career. BTW that's Elizabeth Schwarzkopf singing for Neff in the opera scenes. Donald Wolfit, no stranger to over the top performances, actually manages to somewhat underplay his role as Svengali. The role was intended for Robert Newton who would have been WAY over the top but his drinking got him dismissed and Wolfit stepped in. Praise should be given to VCI for making this rare film available. The source print is a little soft and the colors occasionally fade at the reel changes but overall it looks very good for a public domain copy. In the end it may not measure up to the John Barrymore film but it's way better than the modern update from 1983 with Peter O'Toole and Jodie Foster. Just so you can make your own comparisons, VCI has also included the complete 1931 version on this DVD which, unfortunately for U.K. consumers, is available only as a Region 1 disc.
Most of the criticism regarding this version has been leveled at Hildegard Neff (actually Knef) who makes no attempt to hide her German origins when Trilby is supposed to be Irish. Although it can be disconcerting at first, the further you get into the movie the more she seems like Trilby especially after she embarks on her singing career. BTW that's Elizabeth Schwarzkopf singing for Neff in the opera scenes. Donald Wolfit, no stranger to over the top performances, actually manages to somewhat underplay his role as Svengali. The role was intended for Robert Newton who would have been WAY over the top but his drinking got him dismissed and Wolfit stepped in. Praise should be given to VCI for making this rare film available. The source print is a little soft and the colors occasionally fade at the reel changes but overall it looks very good for a public domain copy. In the end it may not measure up to the John Barrymore film but it's way better than the modern update from 1983 with Peter O'Toole and Jodie Foster. Just so you can make your own comparisons, VCI has also included the complete 1931 version on this DVD which, unfortunately for U.K. consumers, is available only as a Region 1 disc.
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
There is one of those wonderfull OTT performances from Donald Wolfit - perhaps not acceptable to today's television audience, but the sort of performance no-one could sleep through in the theatre - a historic document. There is also, for me, the added bonus of the voice of Trilby being that of my beloved Elisabeth Schwarzkopf.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Great that this is finally on DVD...
But just wondered how the quality is? Is it in Color or B/W? Because it was shot in color. Thanks anyone with additional info...
Just thought I'd ask before purchase...
Just thought I'd ask before purchase...
Published on 7 Oct 2009 by C. Raupach
A very good purchase!
All fans of Jeremy Brett must have this DVD.J.B doen't appear much (just at the beginning, during the feast scene), but his appearance is quite charming. Read more
Published on 6 Oct 2009 by Bretfan
Svengai
I saw this film back in the 1950's and was delighted to see it was available on DVD. The greatest feature is the wonderful singing of the young Elisabeth Schwarzkopf and it was... Read more
Published on 14 July 2009 by Mr. William Kearney
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