AllMovie

This first feature-length version of Henrik Ibsen's 1867 stage epic Peer Gynt was based on the recent Broadway staging by Oliver Morosco. Written in the form of a narrative poem, the story concerns a reckless, irresponsible young man who manages to find success in the world in a variety of colorful professions, only to lose everything due to his many character flaws. Returning home to die, the aged Peer Gynt discovers that his childhood sweetheart Solveig (Myrtle Stedman), whom he had betrayed and abandoned years earlier, is still waiting for him. Though well into middle age, Cyril Maude successfully re-created his stage role as Peer Gynt, fully realizing every nuance of this fascinatingly amoral character. The huge supporting cast included 25-year-old Charles Ruggles, making his first screen appearance in the important role of the Button Moulder.