The Wages of Sin (1929 film)

The Wages of Sin is a 1929 British silent drama film directed by Graham Cutts and starring Emil Jannings, Lilian Hall-Davis, and Warwick Ward. It is based on the 1909 novel of the same name by Lucas Malet (Mary St Leger Kingsley).

The film tells the story of farmer Abel Penderel (Jannings), a man burdened by guilt after the death of his first wife. He is then manipulated by his grasping and ambitious second wife, Elsie (Hall-Davis), who desires a better life and pushes him to sell his land. Her actions ultimately lead to tragedy and highlight the destructive consequences of greed and moral compromise, illustrating the titular "wages of sin."

The film is notable for featuring Emil Jannings, a highly acclaimed German actor who had previously won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performances in The Last Command and The Way of All Flesh. This film was one of his last silent roles before the advent of sound cinema. The production was filmed on location in Norfolk, England, adding to its sense of realism. Although a British production, its star power and strong narrative contributed to its international appeal at the time. The film is now considered a partially lost film, with only fragments known to exist.