1915 cinema sold its soul for this—literally. The devil's first Hollywood close-up.
Reflecting the plot of Charles Gounod's opera, Faust, an old man, sits unhappy in his study. Méphistophélès materializes and offers a devil's bargain - youth and vigor in exchange for Faust's soul. Faust accepts and instantly transforms into a young man. The two go out on the town, and Faust lays eyes on Marguerite, a virgin whose brother Valentin is her protector. Valentin goes to war, leaving Marguerite in the care of his friend Siébel and under the watchful eye of his neighbor, Marthe. Faust courts Marguerite while Méphistophélès chats with Marthe. Seduction, loss of reputation, pregnancy, and tragedy follow.
Practical Effects
1915 devil transformations—smoke, mirrors, and sheer nerve.
Costume
Méphistophélès' theatrical cape game is absolutely unhinged.
Director
Edward Sloman
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
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