The Street of Sin 1928
"The successor to "The Way of All Flesh"---and a worthy one! Jannings' third American-made picture -- and twice as good as the first!"
Emil Jannings stars in Mauritz Stiller's gripping silent-era drama *The Street of Sin* (1928), a tale of redemption and moral conflict set against the grimy streets of London.
Director: Mauritz Stiller
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Street of Sin (1928) about?
The film follows Bill, a retired prizefighter turned thief, who attempts to reform by joining a Salvation Army shelter. His growing attraction to the shelter's leader, Elizabeth, conflicts with his loyalty to his streetwise fiancée. When guilt over a bank robbery forces him to confront his past, Bill's fragile redemption is put to the ultimate test.
Who directed The Street of Sin?
Mauritz Stiller, the acclaimed Swedish director known for his work in silent cinema and his influence on legendary stars like Greta Garbo.
Who stars in The Street of Sin?
The film features Emil Jannings in the lead role, supported by Fay Wray, Olga Baclanova, and Ernest W. Johnson.
Is The Street of Sin (1928) worth watching?
While the film is a product of its time, Emil Jannings' performance and Mauritz Stiller's direction make it a compelling watch for fans of silent-era dramas. Its themes of moral struggle and redemption give it a timeless quality, though some may find the pacing slow by modern standards.
How long is The Street of Sin?
The Street of Sin runs for 70 minutes.
About The Street of Sin (1928) — Silent-era drama of redemption and moral reckoning
Emil Jannings stars in Mauritz Stiller's gripping silent-era drama *The Street of Sin* (1928), a tale of redemption and moral conflict set against the grimy streets of London. The film follows Bill, a former prizefighter turned small-time crook, who seeks refuge in a Salvation Army shelter led by Elizabeth, a woman of quiet but unshakable faith. Though engaged to a streetwise sweetheart, Bill finds himself drawn to Elizabeth's unwavering kindness, leading to a spiritual awakening after he confesses to a bank robbery. Yet the path to virtue is treacherous—betrayal lurks in the shadows, and Bill's fragile redemption is tested as his past catches up with him.
Stiller crafts an atmospheric noir-tinged drama, blending stark realism with melodramatic tension. The story explores themes of guilt, sacrifice, and the fleeting nature of second chances, all wrapped in the stark black-and-white visuals of the silent era. With Jannings delivering a powerhouse performance, *The Street of Sin* remains a compelling snapshot of early cinema's moral storytelling.