Watch Behind the Door

Behind the Door is a 1919 silent film directed by Irvin Willat and starring Hobart Bosworth, Jane Novak, and James Gordon. It is considered one of the greatest American war dramas of the silent era, and for good reason. The movie offers a unique and shocking glimpse into the horrors of war, and the psychological toll it takes on soldiers.

The plot revolves around Oscar Krug (played by Bosworth), a German-American captain who is tormented by his country's decision to go to war. Krug enlists in the army, but his disillusionment with the war only grows as he witnesses the atrocities committed by both sides. He is eventually captured by the Germans and sent to a prison camp.

Krug's experiences at the prison camp push him to the brink of insanity. He is subjected to terrible torture and witnessing the brutal murder of his fellow prisoners. But Krug's ordeal is not over yet. He is given a chance to seek revenge against the German officer who murdered his friends. Krug takes this opportunity with relish and embarks on a mission that leads to unexpected consequences.

The movie is notable for its incredibly violent and graphic scenes, especially for a film made in the silent era. Some of the torture scenes are particularly hard to watch, depicting vicious beatings and waterboarding. The film doesn't shy away from the brutality of war, and it's clear that the filmmakers were aiming to make a powerful statement about the futility and cost of armed conflict.

At the same time, Behind the Door is also a deeply personal story about one man's struggle to maintain his humanity in the midst of a brutal war. Krug's experiences are harrowing, but they also reveal a man who is grappling with questions of loyalty, morality, and vengeance. Bosworth's performance as Krug is outstanding, capturing the character's pain and anguish with subtlety and grace.

The movie also features a strong supporting cast, including Novak as Krug's wife and Gordon as the villainous German officer. Novak's character adds an emotional depth to the movie, serving as a reminder of the personal stakes of the war. Gordon, on the other hand, makes for a terrifying villain, his sneering contempt for Krug and the other prisoners making him all the more despicable.

Behind the Door is a movie that demands to be seen, even today. It's a stirring reminder of the horrors of war, and the toll it takes on the individuals caught up in it. The film's message is as relevant now as it was in 1919 – perhaps more so, given the ongoing global conflicts that continue to ravage our world.

In conclusion, Behind the Door is an unforgettable film that challenges its viewers to confront the most difficult aspects of war. Its uncompromising portrayal of violence and suffering make it a difficult watch, but one that is ultimately rewarding in its honesty and humanity. This is a movie that deserves to be remembered as a masterpiece of American film, and an enduring work of art that speaks to the timeless issues of war, justice, and revenge.

Behind the Door is a 1919 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.