SYNOPSIS

Subtitled A Song of Two Humans, this is one of the most visually beautiful and emotionally touching films in movie history. If one needs convincing that the silent cinema reached a higher level of artistic achievement than the talkies that immediately followed, this is required viewing. Murnau constructs a morality tale with elements of Expressionist anxiety, joyous humor, and passionate love. Rustic farmer O'Brien meets city vamp Livingston, and her feminine wiles prod O'Brien to abandon his loving, child-like wife (Gaynor) and their newborn. But O'Brien suffers the torments of the damned, eventually resolving to murder his wife by faking a boating accident. When the time comes to shove her overboard, Gaynor's scream awakens O'Brien's conscience. He chases his frightened wife to the big city, where she softens and they play and marvel at the city's wonders. On their way home across the lake, the couple draw closer together than ever before, until a thunderous storm heaves Gaynor from the boat. Thinking she is lost, O'Brien dissolves in grief, and threatens Livingston - but Gaynor is found safe and the lovers are reunited as they beam at their child. A cinema treasure that rewards every viewing.

(Source: available at Amazon AMC Classic Movie Companion).