The Holy Flames

1931 1h 26m DE

🙌

8.0

BANGER

★8.0TMDB · 1

Synopsis

Spoiler shield

Former soldier Maurice Tabret returns home unhurt to marry his wife, Stella. Shortly after, he is paralyzed from the waist down in a tragic airplane crash. As the years pass, Stella becomes emotionally and romantically involved with Maurice's healthy brother. Maurice is suddenly discovered dead. While initially appearing to be a tragic or natural death, it is eventually revealed to be an intentional act of mercy. The investigation into his death forces a sweeping confrontation that reveals hidden truths, passionate devotion, and profound sacrifice within the family. German-language version of 1929's "The Sacred Flame", from the W. Somerset Maugham play, shot by Warner Bros. in Hollywood with a German-speaking cast.

“Some stories are better left unspoiled.”

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Cast

Gustav Fröhlich
Walter Taylor
Dita Parlo
Stella
Hans Heinrich von Twardowski
Robert Taylor
Salka Viertel
Mrs. Taylor
Vladimir Sokoloff
Dr. Harvester
Anton Pointner
Major Liconda
Hubert von Meyerinck
Pastor
Charlotte Hagenbruch
Nurse Weyland

Credits

Behind the camera

Director: Berthold Viertel
Writers: Berthold Viertel, Heinrich Fraenkel
Languages: German
Countries: United States of America

Want more? Switch to Cinephile mode in the header for DP, composer, budget, box office, production companies, keywords, and release history.

Did you know?

Fun facts 🍿

1 / 6

RUNTIME

Did you know

86 minutes exactly — the "classic feature" runtime most directors aim for.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01

2 / 6

ERA

Did you know

95 years old — a genuine piece of film history.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02

3 / 6

RUNTIME

Did you know

Lean credit list — fewer than 30 people officially credited.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03

4 / 6

CAST

Did you know

Gustav Fröhlich and Dita Parlo and Hans Heinrich von Twardowski carry the top of the cast.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04

5 / 6

WILD

Did you know

IMDB entry: tt0020958 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05

6 / 6

WILD

Did you know

Only 1 TMDB ratings — you're getting ahead of the curve on this one.

MoodPlayr · trivia#06

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Berthold Viertel directs. Runs lean at under 100 minutes. Produced in United States of America. Dialogue in German.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

186 minutes exactly — the "classic feature" runtime most directors aim for.
295 years old — a genuine piece of film history.
3Lean credit list — fewer than 30 people officially credited.
4Gustav Fröhlich and Dita Parlo and Hans Heinrich von Twardowski carry the top of the cast.
5IMDB entry: tt0020958 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.
6Only 1 TMDB ratings — you're getting ahead of the curve on this one.