4 Devils (1928): cast, story & where to watch
1928 · Film · ★ 7.5
Released in 1928, 4 Devils is an action and drama film directed by F. W. Murnau, running about 100 minutes. “A SWINGING CIRCUS TRAPEZE BECOMES THE PENDULUM OF PASSION!” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. The circus provides the backdrop for this melodrama that chronicles the lives of four children raised within the big top. Film historian and collector William K. Everson stated that the only surviving print was lost by actress Mary Duncan who had borrowed it from Fox Studios. In the December 1974 issue of "Films in Review," he explained that Mary Duncan, one of the film's stars, wanted it to show to a group of friends in Florida. The star was aware that it was a dangerous nitrate print and assumed that Fox had others. She threw the only copy in the ocean, a mistake characterized by Everson as "a monumental blunder to rank with Balaclava, Sarajevo, and the Fall of Babylon as one of history's blackest moments."
Who’s in it. 4 Devils stars Janet Gaynor as Marion, Mary Duncan as The Lady, Charles Morton as Charles and Barry Norton as Adolf, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 7.5/10, 4 Devils has been warmly received by audiences.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch 4 Devils page.
If you liked it. Fans of 4 Devils tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Inception and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch 4 Devils (1928)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for 4 Devils change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is 4 Devils worth watching?
- 4 Devils holds an audience score of 7.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy action and drama. Most viewers rate it highly.
- Who stars in 4 Devils?
- 4 Devils stars Janet Gaynor, Mary Duncan, Charles Morton, Barry Norton and J. Farrell MacDonald.
- When was 4 Devils released?
- 4 Devils was released in 1928, with a runtime of about 100 minutes.