The Devil (1918 film)

The Devil Hungarian Az rdg 1918 is an Hungarian film directed by Michael Curtiz. Later, the film was shot for American audiences by Franz Ferenc Molnar, in 1921 and starred George Arliss, in his film debut.

From the original ad campaign, Here is a story mounted in settings and scenes of splendor and luxury. A story that is as old as yesterday as true as today and as new as tomorrow. A production of real mark and unexcelled distinction. As the central figure George Arliss is an unforgettable picture of fiendish, subtle, domineering and diabolic ingenuity of cunning, sardonic and unrelenting resourcefulness. Yet he is the suave, charming, polished and artistic Devil.This satiric drama was based on the 1908 play by Ferenc Molnar that launched Arliss on Broadway, and was used to entice him into his very first of many films. Earlier versions were made by no less than Thomas Edison and D.W. Griffith. The original play title was The Devil A Comedy in Three Acts. In an interview from Motion Picture World, January 1921, Mr. Arliss told reporters he decided to go into films, after being impressed by the work of Charlie Chaplin. The director then made a screen test to show Arliss how intimate the camera was, and how it exaggerated gestures. Arliss said films would probably lead to better acting on the stage, when actors could study their technique on the big screen. ........

Source: Wikipedia