The Chronicles of the Grey House (1925)

I was dead keen to see this German silent, not only because it had never been shown before in Britain, but also since this was the world premiere of the restored copy.  Yes, I admit, I am a completist when it comes to movies.  However it was something of a lumpen affair, despite the occasional nice architectural framing.  It was the story of two brothers fighting over an inheritance which the natural heir had jeopardized by marrying the daughter of a servant.  Big shame!  She was played by Lil Dagover -- a well-known name from silent days, but a fairly stolid presence.  It was only in the last reel where her spirit appeared to protect the son she had died giving birth to that there was much in the way of excitement.  Otherwise the completely static camera work added to the pedestrian plod.