Terje Vigen/A Man There Was (1917)

This Swedish-made adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's dramatic poem, "Terje Viken" helped its director/star Victor_Seastrom gain attention in the United States. Terje Viken (Seastrom) is a fisherman who lives on an island that is blockaded during a war. He tries to outwit an enemy ship to bring home food and supplies but is captured and thrown in prison. When he gets out five years later, he discovers that his wife (Bergliot Hausberg) and child died of starvation the day he was caught. He becomes a recluse and swears revenge on the man who caused his suffering. But when he gets his opportunity, the sound of a child's voice inspires him to overcome his hatred.

Director: Victor Sjostrom
Stars: Victor Sjostrom, Edith Erastoff and August Falck
Production land: Sweden
Premiere Date: 29 January 1917 Denmark
IMDb - 7.1 (353 votes)