The Face at the Window (1919 film)

The Face at the Window is a 1919 British silent mystery film directed by A.C. Hunter. It stars Gerald Ames, Jack Hobbs, and Eveline Carew. The film is based on the play of the same name by F. Brooke Warren, a popular melodramatic thriller that premiered in London in 1897.

The plot typically involves a series of mysterious murders committed in a darkened house, often attributed to a sinister figure known as “The Face,” seen peering through a window. This “Face” usually embodies a menacing presence and strikes fear into the inhabitants of the house and the surrounding community. The story often revolves around a young man suspected of the crimes who must prove his innocence.

While adaptations of The Face at the Window pre-date the 1919 film, including stage productions, this particular film adaptation is noteworthy as an early example of the mystery and thriller genres in British cinema. Due to the age of the film, its availability is limited, and detailed information about its specific plot elements and critical reception can be difficult to obtain. Lost film status for portions or potentially the entire production remains a possibility. Subsequent film versions and stage revivals of the play have continued to captivate audiences with their suspenseful narratives and gothic atmospheres.