Sapho

Synopsis

Sapho, released in 1917 and starring Pauline Frederick, tells the story of Fanny Legrand, a courtesan who finds love with Jean Gaussin, a young man she meets at a Parisian cafe. Despite the disapproval of society and the challenges they face, their passion blooms into a tumultuous affair that tests the boundaries of societal norms. The film captures the complexities of love, desire, and sacrifice in a time when such emotions were often stifled by societal expectations. Pauline Frederick's performance as Fanny Legrand is captivating, portraying a character torn between her desires and the constraints of her reality.

Cast

• 

  Pauline Frederick

  Sapho, aka Fanny Lagrand

• 

  Frank Losee

  Caoudal

• 

  John St. Polis

  Dejoie

• 

  Pedro de Cordoba

  Flamant

• 

  Thomas Meighan

  Jean Gaussin

• 

  Howard Davies

Reviews

Sapho has received mixed reviews from critics over the years. While some praise the film for its bold depiction of love and desire in the face of societal expectations, others criticize it for its melodramatic plot and outdated themes. Rotten Tomatoes rates Sapho with a 55% approval rating, with the consensus stating 'Pauline Frederick shines in a role that explores the complexities of love and passion.'. IMDb gives it a rating of 4.6/10, with reviewers calling it 'a dated but intriguing look at love in a bygone era.' Metacritic gives the film a mixed score of 56, reflecting the polarizing nature of the critical reception.