Svengali (1931)

In the enchanting city of Paris lives Svengali, a music maestro, singing teacher, and hypnotist of irresistible power. With a touch as delicate as his piano keys, he weaves a spellbinding web through his music, ensnaring his female students and exploiting them for ill-gotten financial gains. His sinister charm is ephemeral, and like a puppeteer discarding his marionettes, Svengali abandons his victims when they cease to serve his purpose. Among the city's vibrant art studios, he encounters the young model, Trilby O'Farrell, whose voice, though not extraordinary, bewitches him. Trilby is caught in a whirlwind romance with a British artist, Billee, a relationship that Svengali observes with concealed envy. Amidst the turbulence of love and a bitter fallout, Trilby flees, her despair leading her seemingly towards suicide. The city is bereft of Svengali's ominous presence for five years, only for him to resurface as the other half of a concert duo, featuring his wife and singing protégée - none other than Trilby, now Madame Svengali. The revelation ignites a spark of determination in Billee, who pledges to save Trilby from Svengali's hypnotic grasp. Svengali, during their time apart, had discovered the untapped potential in Trilby's voice and manipulated her into faking her suicide. Through his telepathic powers, he transformed her into a singing sensation, captivating audiences across Europe. However, Billee's relentless pursuit disrupts their thriving performances, forcing them to seek refuge in the mystic lands of Egypt. As the narrative unwinds, Billee and Svengali, two men bound by their love for Trilby, find themselves in a battle of wits and will. Svengali, aware of Billee's pursuit, concocts a plan to secure his and Trilby's future, adding a thrilling twist to their entangled lives. 'Svengali' is a captivating tale of manipulation, love, and the relentless pursuit of freedom – a classic narrative that will keep you enthralled till the last note.

Svengali is a drama movie featuring John Barrymore and directed by Archie Mayo.

Svengali is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Crackle, Kanopy, Plex, Plex Player, Public Domain Movies and The Film Detective and it's also available on Classix, Cultpix, FlixFling, MGM Plus Amazon Channel, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel and fuboTV.

It is also possible to buy Svengali on Amazon Video and FlixFling.