Svengali (1954) - Donald Wolfit, Hildegarde Neff, Terence Morgan

Hugely disappointing rendition of Svengali. Last-minute replacement Donald Wolfit doesn't have nearly enough to do in this version that short-changes his character in favor of the frustrated romance between Trilby and Billy Bagot (Terence Morgan). Svengali's domination and transformation of Trilby only occupies about 25 minutes and it's quite a letdown. Knef (billed here as Neff) is seriously mis-cast: she's much too old and her German accent renders her character's British roots blatantly ludicrous. This scene is one of Wolfit's best in the film.

[@harryreams6248]

Sir Donald Wolfit had the greatest Shakespearean voice of any actor. His portrayal of King Lear in the slightly abbreviated Living Shakespeare audio version is spine chilling. Sir Donald really knew how to hold the vowels and clip the consonants!
He was characterized by jealous peers and critics as an egomaniac. Fools! I never cared if he was. He was a truly great actor and supremely justified in beating his own drum occasionally.

[@orchardist1965]

Sir Donald Wolfit was a charismatic theatrical actor whose presence was always compelling to watch as in this performance of Svengali. Thank you for posting giving an opportunity to remember this fine actor.

[@boomer3150]

Callistratus.

[@prospero8780]

Here because of Chuck from Better Call Saul