The Light in the Dark

With a title like this you'd have to expect some lighting effects, but the sheer beauty of the lighting and cinematography in this film will amaze you. Sunlight in the heroine's hair, the glow of the holy grail and its reflection on faces, even the light of God - all are realized with great care. It certainly anticipates Clarence Brown's later work, especially with Garbo.

The version of the film that I saw was a 30 minute edit re-titled "The Light of Faith" (and beautifully restored by KINO video). I don't know if a longer version exists, but I'd love to see it. As it is the film works beautifully. It is a simple tale of a rough petty criminal, played with great delicacy by the genius actor Lon Chaney, who is trying to help a young woman who has run away from her wealthy family. She tells him the story of the holy grail - and Brown recreates it for us with great beauty. Chaney then attempts to steal the newly discovered grail to restore the girl's health. It builds to a moving and visually stunning climax.

Don't miss this exquisite film.