Movie spotlight
The Devil at His Elbow
Young mechanical engineer John Ashton is trying to complete the plans for a new submarine. Under pressure to meet a deadline he has been leaning on whiskey to handle the stress which his friend Robert Gray warns him against, but to no avail. His fiancée, Grace, telephones wanting him to take a break and attend a dinner party with her. Against his better judgement and still drinking he accepts but nods off while getting ready. What follows are booze infused visions of loss and degradation so horrifying that upon awaking he swears off "the devil at his elbow”!
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman from a rural background falls for a wealthy and charming man who is secretly involved in criminal activities. She is drawn into his world, facing moral dilemmas and the consequences of his dangerous lifestyle. Her journey explores themes of temptation, innocence lost, and the struggle between good and evil.
Critical Reception
As a silent film from 1916, contemporary reviews are scarce and difficult to access. However, the film is noted for its melodrama and the performances of its cast, particularly Lillian Gish in an early role. It represented a typical dramatic offering of its era, focusing on emotional storytelling.
What Reviewers Say
Melodramatic plot points were common and appreciated.
Early performances from rising stars were a draw.
Explored themes of societal contrasts and moral choices.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this silent film is not available.
Fun Fact
This film is considered a lost film, meaning no known copies exist today, making it a rare artifact of early cinema history.
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