Casanova

An aging Casanova, long dead, is resurrected when factory heiress Susanne Hilmer’s longing brings him back as the modern “Knight Heinrich Holanden,” only to trail a trail of broken hearts, from Susanne and her sister Margarete’s suicides to would-be lovers Ninette and the Countess, before he’s grievously wounded and cared for by the pure-hearted Baroness Livia. When Livia, the only woman he ever truly loves, takes her own life in shame, Casanova, heartbroken, returns to his tomb, closing the door on his final, unfulfilled passion.

Directed by Alfréd Deésy, Casanova leans on a strong ensemble — Alfréd Deésy, Camilla von Hollay, Norbert Dán — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 1919.