Geschlecht in Fesseln

If you're looking for something really lurid as the title suggests than you are going to be very disappointed. And it's a silent film to boot. On the other hand don't shy away from this film because of the title which is a literal translation from the German. A better title would be "Sex Imprisoned" for this movie is about what happens to a young couple when they are denied each other because the husband is sent to prison for accidentally killing a man who was harassing her. It is thoughtful, tastefully done, and deeply moving as it explores a variety of themes including a brutal and unfair penal system. In that regard it's a precursor to many Warner Brothers expose' movies of the 1930's such as 20,000 YEARS IN SING SING or THEY MADE ME A CRIMINAL only more adult in its approach and subject matter.

The film was directed by William Dieterle who would shortly leave for Hollywood where he would make a number of memorable films including Charles Laughton's HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, THE LIFE OF EMILE ZOLA, and THE DEVIL AND DANIEL WEBSTER. He also plays the lead role of the husband and shows that he was just as capable as an actor and could easily have made his living that way. The rest of the cast is fine with Mary Johnson a standout as the wife. The print used is in pretty good shape considering it's status as a banned film with the original German titlecards used and subtitled.

The piano score that accompanies the movie is appropriate but an orchestral score would have been nice considering the intensity of the material and its powerful uncompromising ending. This is part of a new 3 film series GAY-THEMED FILMS OF THE GERMAN SILENT ERA from Kino International. It is my personal favorite of the three and is a remarkable film by any standards. If you enjoy thought provoking dramas and/or tragic romances then SEX IN CHAINS has a lot to offer. And don't be misled by the title!... For more reviews visit The Capsule Critic.