The Dream Cheater

Name: The Dream Cheater
Genre: Horror
Released: 1920-01-01
Cast: J. Warren Kerrigan, Wedgwood Nowell, Alice Wilson, Joseph J. Dowling, Tom Guise

1920

Track this movie free Wishlist

Check price on Amazon Browse eBay listings

Amazon and eBay links may be affiliate links.

About This Movie

The Dream Cheater is a 1920 horror film that adapts Honoré de Balzac's novel, exploring themes of desire and consequence. Set in the roaring twenties, it presents a unique blend of literary adaptation and early cinema.

The film tells the story of a young man who discovers a magic piece of shagreen that grants him his every wish. However, with each wish fulfilled, the shagreen shrinks and takes away a part of his physical energy. This narrative offers a dark exploration of ambition and the costs of desire.

As a horror film from the 1920s, The Dream Cheater captures the essence of early cinema's fascination with supernatural themes and moral dilemmas. The film features performances by J. Warren Kerrigan, Wedgwood Nowell, and Alice Wilson, among others, who bring this haunting tale to life. Collectors may find interest in its historical context, representing both the horror genre and adaptations of classic literature in early film.

The Dream Cheater is a rare find in collector circles, often available in silent film archives but seldom in pristine condition. Its historical significance as a 1920s horror adaptation draws interest from those keen on early cinematic interpretations of literature. There are few known prints, and the film's unique blend of atmosphere and practical effects makes it a standout, albeit niche, title for dedicated collectors.