Sappho (film)

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Sappho (also known as Mad Love) is a 1921 German silent drama film directed by Dimitri Buchowetzki. It stars Pola Negri as Sappho and features Alfred Abel as Andreas De La Croix, with Johannes Riemann as Richard De La Croix. The story follows a glamorous socialite named Sappho whose influence drives Andreas, Richard’s brother, to madness.

Plot in brief:
- Richard De La Croix is involved with Sappho, who has already driven his brother Andreas insane.
- Teddy, a lively passerby, introduces Richard to Sappho at the Odeon. Richard falls in love, and Sappho, determined to reform, tries to leave behind her past with a lover named Bertink.
- Bertink warns Richard that Sappho is the same woman who ruined Andreas. Richard ends the affair, and Sappho, rejected, seeks comfort with Teddy.
- Meanwhile, Richard plans to marry his childhood sweetheart, but he cannot forget Sappho and leaves the wedding to find her.
- Andreas, who dreams of Sappho in the asylum, escapes to join the search. He confronts the lovers at a ball, locking Richard out of the room.
- Alone with Sappho, Andreas attacks her and accidentally kills her.

Release and reception:
- The film was released in Germany on September 6, 1921 (often listed as September 9, 1921) and later in the United States on March 4, 1923, in a censored version titled Mad Love.
- It was produced by PAGU and distributed by UFA in Germany and by Goldwyn Pictures for the 1923 US release. The running time is 82 minutes.
- The New York Times described the story as a stereotyped French Victorian tale but praised Pola Negri’s performance for making the role believable and engaging.

Restoration and home media:
- A tinted 35mm print has been restored by UCLA in association with Turner Entertainment, believed to originate from the MGM film library.
- Home video releases include Grapevine Video’s 2009 edition (as part of Ladies of the German Cinema) and Bright Shining City Productions’ 2011 Pola Negri: The Iconic Collection. A PAL DVD edition from Edition Filmmuseum has been planned.