“The Sorrows of Satan” is a 1926 American silent drama film directed by D. W. Griffith, based on Marie Corelli’s 1895 novel of the same name. The film follows Geoffrey Tempest, a struggling writer who curses God for his misfortunes. Soon after, he meets Prince Lucio de Rimanez, a wealthy aristocrat who offers him a fortune—on the condition that Geoffrey places his fate entirely in the Prince’s hands. However, Rimanez is actually Satan, testing whether he can corrupt Geoffrey’s soul. As Geoffrey ascends to high society, he abandons his true love, Mavis Claire, and marries the manipulative Princess Olga. When Olga’s infidelity leads to tragedy, Geoffrey realizes that wealth and power are meaningless without love and faith. In the end, Mavis’ unwavering belief in God thwarts Satan’s influence, and Geoffrey finds redemption. The film was Griffith’s first project for Paramount Pictures and is considered one of his most fully realized works.
Credits: Director: D. W. Griffith Producer: Paramount Pictures Starring: Adolphe Menjou, Ricardo Cortez, Carol Dempster, Lya De Putti, Ivan Lebedeff Screenplay: Forrest Halsey, George C. Hull, John Russell (adapted from Marie Corelli’s novel) Cinematography: Harry A. Fischbeck, Arthur De Titta
