Das Alte Gesetz (The Ancient Law)

In the mid-1800s in Galicia (Spain), Baruch, the son of an orthodox rabbi, yearns to become an actor. Against his father’s will, he leaves the eastern European shtetl where he grew up and joins a travelling theatre troupe. Austrian archduchess Elisabeth Theresia falls in love with the young man and arranges for him to join Vienna’s Burg Theatre, where he rises to become a celebrated star. With its complex portrayal of orthodoxy and emancipation, E.A. Dupont’s period film marks a highpoint of Jewish filmmaking in Germany. This new restoration marks the first time that a version of the lost 1920s film will be shown in its original length with digitally restored colorization. Donald Sosin and Alicia Svigals, composer/musicians renowned worldwide for their live silent film accompaniments, have collaborated on a new musical score for this uncovered masterpiece.

Digitally restored in 2017.