The Enemy (1927 film)

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The Enemy is a 1927 American silent drama/war film directed by Fred Niblo. It stars Lillian Gish, Ralph Forbes, and Ralph Emerson, with Joel McCrea appearing early as an extra.

Plot
Newlywed Carl Behrend goes to World War I and endures great hardship. Back home, his wife Pauli Arndt struggles to survive and, to feed their family, becomes a prostitute. Tragedy follows when their baby dies.

Cast (selected)
- Lillian Gish as Pauli Arndt
- Ralph Forbes as Carl Behrend
- Ralph Emerson as Bruce Gordon
- Frank Currier as Professor Arndt
- George Fawcett as August Behrend
- Polly Moran as Baruska
- Hans Joby as Fritz Winkelmann
- Karl Dane as Jan
- Fritzi Ridgeway as Mitzi Winkelmann
- Joel McCrea as Extra (uncredited)

Censorship
During the era’s film censorship, the film’s portrayal of prostitution was allowed only if it was not shown as forced (not “white slavery”) and did not include explicit scenes.

Preservation
The Enemy was long believed lost until a copy was found at the MGM library (now owned by Turner Entertainment). The film is missing its final reel.

Notes
The movie features a grim look at the impact of war on a family and is one of Lillian Gish’s notable silent-era performances.