The Bridge of San Luis Rey (1929 film)

The Bridge of San Luis Rey (1929 film) is an American pre-Code drama film directed by Charles Brabin. It is based on the 1927 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name by Thornton Wilder.

The film tells the story of five seemingly unconnected people who are killed when a rope bridge in 18th-century Peru collapses. A Franciscan monk, Brother Juniper, witnesses the tragedy and embarks on a quest to understand God's purpose in taking their lives, believing it must be part of a divine plan. He investigates the lives of the deceased, hoping to find a pattern or reason for their deaths, ultimately questioning the nature of faith and the mysteries of providence.

The cast includes Ernest Torrence as Brother Juniper, Raquel Torres as Pepita, Lily Damita as Camila Perichole, and Don Alvarado as Manuel. The film was known for its lavish sets and costumes, reflecting the grandeur of the period depicted.

While the 1929 film was a significant production of its time, it is now largely overshadowed by later adaptations of Wilder's novel, including a 1944 version and a 2004 version. The original film is notable for its early cinematic adaptation of a highly regarded literary work.