Watch The Man from Beyond

The Man from Beyond is a silent film from 1922, directed by Burton L. King and starring Harry Houdini as the lead character, Howard Hillary. It is a dramatic tale of love, adventure, and the limits of human endurance. The film opens with Hillary, who has been frozen in ice for 100 years, being discovered and revived by a young woman named Felice Strange (played by Jane Connelly). Hillary is a wealthy man from the 1820s who was exploring the Arctic when he became frozen in ice. Felice is a young woman from the 1920s who is fascinated by the tale of his frozen body and is determined to bring him back to life.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Felice is not the only one interested in Howard Hillary. He is also being pursued by a greedy uncle, Dr. Gregory Sinclair (played by Arthur Maude), who wants to get his hands on Hillary's fortune. Sinclair is a ruthless man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, and he soon realizes that he can use Felice to get to Howard Hillary. Felice, however, is more interested in exploring the mystery of how Hillary was preserved for 100 years, and the two embark on a dangerous journey to find out the truth.

The journey takes them from the frozen wasteland of the Arctic to the elegant ballrooms of New York City. Along the way, they encounter danger at every turn, including treacherous ice floes, deadly rapids, and a gang of ruthless thieves. Hillary's unique abilities, including his strength, agility, and his knowledge of survival skills, are put to the test as he navigates this strange new world. Meanwhile, Felice is torn between her growing love for Howard Hillary and her loyalty to Dr. Sinclair.

Overall, The Man from Beyond is a thrilling adventure that offers a unique perspective on the limits of human endurance. Harry Houdini's performance is mesmerizing, and his incredible athleticism and stunts are sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The film combines action, drama, and romance in a way that was groundbreaking for its time, and it remains a classic of the silent film era. The story also raises important questions about the nature of mortality and the power of love to transcend time.

The film features stunning cinematography and some of the most creative special effects of the time. The scenes in the Arctic are particularly striking, and the filmmakers use a combination of location shooting and studio sets to create a sense of otherworldliness. The score, which was recently restored and performed by the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra, is haunting and beautiful, adding to the film's sense of mystery and wonder.

In addition to Harry Houdini, the film features strong performances from Jane Connelly as Felice Strange, whose conflicted motivations drive much of the plot, and Arthur Maude as Dr. Gregory Sinclair. Sinclair is a classic villain, obsessed with greed and power, and Maude plays him with just the right mix of menace and charm.

Overall, The Man from Beyond is a fascinating glimpse into the early days of cinema. It offers an entertaining story with breathtaking visuals and thrilling action, all anchored by Harry Houdini's impressive performance. Fans of silent films and classic adventure stories will find much to enjoy in this forgotten gem of the early 20th century.

The Man from Beyond is a 1922 mystery with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.