Flames (1917 film)

Flames is a 1917 British silent fantasy film directed by Maurice Elvey, based on the 1897 novel Flames by Robert Hichens. The film stars Owen Nares, Lily Elsie, and Edward O'Neill.

The story revolves around a reclusive writer, Luke Seville (Owen Nares), who has the power to absorb the personalities of the dead by touching their belongings. He becomes obsessed with the idea of acquiring the souls of others, including the beautiful and enigmatic Countess Zalenka (Lily Elsie), who may be connected to supernatural forces. As Seville delves deeper into his experiments, he encounters a sinister character, Mark Landau (Edward O'Neill), who seems to be manipulating events and controlling Seville's actions.

The film is noted for its atmospheric visuals and its exploration of themes such as the afterlife, the power of the human will, and the dangers of pursuing forbidden knowledge. Though considered a lost film for many years, a nitrate print was discovered in the 1990s, allowing for its restoration and rediscovery by modern audiences. The restoration project was undertaken by the British Film Institute (BFI).