Movie spotlight
Sodom and Gomorrah
Exposed to bad influences since childhood, Mary, a young girl is pushed by her mother to approach an elderly banker by the name of Harber. After almost driving her fiancee to suicide and seducing his mentally-ill son, she realizes through a metaphorical dream the scope of her negligence. Sentenced to prison for incitement to murder Harber, she sees herself as a parallel figure to Lea, Lot's wife in Sodom, where the Angel of the Lord warns the sinful citizens of the city of their impending doom. Lea oppresses the angel and eventually turns it over to the pagan priests when her sexual advances to it are rejected. In another dream sequence, Mary becomes the Queen of Syria, whose oppressed people turn against her and who, in turn, condemns a young man who loves her to death. Finally, her dream returns to the present time and when she awakens, she runs back to her former lover.
Insights
Plot Summary
This epic silent film depicts the biblical tale of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. It follows the moral decay of the cities, the attempts of Lot to preach righteousness, and the eventual divine retribution. The film showcases lavish sets and dramatic performances as it chronicles the downfall of these wicked cities.
Critical Reception
As a silent film from 1922, specific critical reception data is scarce. However, 'Sodom and Gomorrah' was a significant production of its time, notable for its scale and ambition. It was generally seen as a powerful religious epic, though some contemporary reviews might have commented on its sensationalism.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its grand spectacle and biblical storytelling.
Noted for its ambitious scope and dramatic intensity.
Considered a significant religious epic of the silent era.
Google audience: Due to the film's age and silent format, contemporary Google user reviews are not available. Audience reactions from its initial release likely varied, with some appreciating its religious themes and others potentially finding it overly dramatic or explicit for the time.
Fun Fact
The film was originally intended to be directed by Alexander Korda, but he was replaced by Michael Curtiz (later known for 'Casablanca') before production began.
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