
Desire Under the Elms 1928
Giorgi Makarov's 1928 adaptation of Eugene O'Neill's classic play brings raw New England drama to the screen, where forbidden desires and family fractures collide beneath the swaying elms.
Director: Giorgi Makarov
Cast


Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desire Under the Elms (1928) about?
The film follows Abbie, a young woman who marries into the troubled Cabot family, only to find herself trapped between her growing affection for her stepson and the violent legacy of her husband's farm. As passions ignite and secrets unravel, the family's fragile bonds crumble under the weight of desire and betrayal.
Who directed Desire Under the Elms?
The film was directed by Giorgi Makarov, a Georgian filmmaker known for his atmospheric storytelling and ability to adapt theatrical works into compelling screen narratives.
Who stars in Desire Under the Elms?
The film features Andro Murusidze, Bella Beletskaya, Shalva Gambashidze, Akaki Vasadze, and Maria Shirai in the key roles.
Is Desire Under the Elms (1928) worth watching?
While the IMDb rating is unrated, this 1928 drama offers a fascinating glimpse into early cinematic adaptations of literary classics. Its intense performances and gothic atmosphere make it a compelling watch for fans of stage-to-screen storytelling and classic drama.
How long is Desire Under the Elms?
Desire Under the Elms runs for 54 minutes.
About Desire Under the Elms (1928) — A Forbidden Love Story That Shatters a Family
Giorgi Makarov's 1928 adaptation of Eugene O'Neill's classic play brings raw New England drama to the screen, where forbidden desires and family fractures collide beneath the swaying elms. Set against the harsh beauty of a Connecticut farm, the film follows the turbulent relationship between Ephraim Cabot, a stern widower played by Akaki Vasadze, and his new young bride Abbie, portrayed by Bella Beletskaya, whose passion ignites a dangerous spiral of obsession and vengeance. The story lingers on themes of isolation, greed, and the destructive power of love, all wrapped in the oppressive atmosphere of a household trapped between tradition and turmoil.
Desire Under the Elms (1928) captures the essence of human frailty through intense performances—Andro Murusidze as the troubled son Eben and Maria Shirai as the brooding Ephraim's first daughter—each character wrestling with their own desires. Makarov's direction infuses the rural setting with a gothic intensity, transforming the farm into a character itself, where every shadowed barn and crumbling fence mirrors the emotional decay unfolding within. This early cinematic take on O'Neill's masterpiece remains a haunting exploration of the thin line between love and ruin.