The Masks of the Devil

The Masks of the Devil
Directed by	Victor Sjöström
Written by	Marian Ainslee Ruth Cummings Svend Gade Frances Marion
Based on	Die Masken Erwin Reiners by Jakob Wassermann
Starring	John Gilbert Alma Rubens Theodore Roberts Frank Reicher Eva von Berne
Cinematography	Oliver T. Marsh
Edited by	Conrad A. Nervig
Music by	William Axt
Production company	Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Distributed by	Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Release date	November 17, 1928 (1928-11-17)
Running time	80 minutes
Country	United States
Languages	Sound (Synchronized) English Intertitles

The Masks of the Devil is a lost^[1] 1928 American drama synchronized sound film directed by Victor Sjöström and written by Marian Ainslee, Ruth Cummings, Svend Gade, and Frances Marion. While the film has no audible dialog, it was released with a synchronized musical score with sound effects using both the sound-on-disc and sound-on-film process. The film stars John Gilbert, Alma Rubens, Theodore Roberts, Frank Reicher, and Eva von Berne. The film was released on November 17, 1928, by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.^[2][3]

In turn-of-the-century Vienna, Baron Erwin Reiner (John Gilbert) is celebrated for his charm, beauty, and easy sophistication. He is a man without a conscience, known for his indulgent lifestyle and his talent for seduction. At the start of the story, he is involved with Countess Helene Zellner (Alma Rubens), a passionate woman of society who adores him. But when Reiner meets Virginia (Eva von Berne), a quiet, innocent schoolgirl, he becomes immediately captivated. Virginia is engaged to Manfred (Ralph Forbes), Reiner’s closest friend—a man of integrity and idealism.

Wanting Virginia for himself, Reiner concocts a plan. He finances a prestigious scientific expedition for Manfred, who gratefully accepts the offer, unaware of Reiner's motives. After Manfred departs, Reiner ensures that none of Manfred’s letters reach Virginia, keeping her isolated. He then begins to insert himself into her life, charming her family and presenting himself as a gentleman protector, while slowly eroding her trust in her absent fiancé.

In the background, Countess Helene grows increasingly jealous. Sensing Reiner's fixation on Virginia, she confronts him at a party he throws in the girl’s honor. She threatens to kill herself unless he returns to her. Reiner, cold and dismissive, rejects her pleas. In a moment of desperation and heartbreak, Helene throws herself in front of a speeding automobile. She survives, but the crash leaves her physically and emotionally shattered, her mental state beginning to unravel.

Meanwhile, Count Zellner (Frank Reicher), Helene’s husband, learns of her affair with Reiner. A confrontation ensues—one fraught with pride, betrayal, and fury. During the explosive quarrel, Count Zellner is shot and killed. His death further deepens the wreckage left in Reiner's wake.

Despite this, Reiner continues his pursuit of Virginia. He visits her at home while she is alone. But just as he is about to impose himself on her, a startling moment halts him: Reiner sees his reflection in a mirror. Instead of the elegant baron he imagines himself to be, he sees the face of a devil—the face of a man corrupted by lust, deception, and ruin. This moment of self-recognition horrifies him. He stops himself, turns away, and flees the house, leaving Virginia shaken but untouched.

When Manfred returns from his expedition, Reiner meets him and confesses everything—his betrayal, his schemes, and his moral downfall. Manfred is stunned and deeply wounded, and he severs their friendship. Virginia, still torn, now realizes that despite everything, she loves Reiner. Yet she chooses to remain loyal to her fiancé, believing she cannot forsake her promise.

In a final act of remorse or self-sacrifice, Reiner visits Helene, who is now emotionally broken and kept in seclusion. Seeking to make amends for the destruction he caused, he offers to marry her—a desperate gesture meant to offer her dignity or comfort. But Helene, unhinged and lost in her grief, shoots him.

Believing himself to be dying, Reiner makes his way to see Manfred and Virginia one last time. In a scene filled with sorrow and emotional clarity, Virginia confesses that she loves him, and Manfred, moved by their mutual pain, releases her from their engagement. In a final moment of grace, he gives his blessing.

Reiner survives the shooting. He and Virginia are finally united—not without cost, but with the recognition of love hard-won through guilt, self-awareness, and the unmasking of pride.^[4]

• John Gilbert as Baron Reiner
• Alma Rubens as Countess Zellner
• Theodore Roberts as Count Palester
• Frank Reicher as Count Zellner
• Eva von Berne as Virginia
• Ralph Forbes as Manfred
• Ethel Wales as Virginia's Aunt
• Polly Ann Young as Dancer

This film featured a theme song entitled "Live And Love" which was composed by William Axt, David Mendoza, and Raymond Klages.

• List of early sound feature films (1926–1929)

• The Masks of the Devil at IMDb