The Last Performance (1929) Director: Pál Fejős Studio: Universal Pictures Starring: Conrad Veidt (Erik “The Great”), Mary Philbin (Julie Fergeron), Leslie Fenton (Buffo Black) Release Date: October 13, 1929 (New York) Runtime: Approx. 68 minutes (sound version) / 60 minutes (silent export) Format: Black & White | Part-Talkie / Silent with synchronized music and effects | Drama | Mystery Country: United States Language: English (titles and limited dialogue) Genres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller Summary: Erik “The Great”, a world-famous stage magician, is infatuated with his young assistant Julie. When a down-and-out thief named Mark Royce is found in Erik’s apartment, Julie convinces Erik to take him in as a new assistant. Mark and Julie fall in love, provoking jealousy from Buffo. On Julie’s eighteenth birthday, a sword trick goes fatally wrong—Buffo is killed, and Mark is accused of murder. In the trial that follows, Erik confesses his role and takes his own life. Background: Produced by Universal as one of their prestige “Jewel” pictures, The Last Performance was created at the tail end of the silent era. It was released in both silent and Movietone part-talkie versions, featuring synchronized music, sound effects, and limited dialogue. Directed by Pál Fejős with cinematography by Hal Mohr, the film combines American and German Expressionist visual styles. Notable Features and Legacy: Conrad Veidt’s portrayal of Erik is widely praised as one of his finest performances. Shot on sets originally used for The Phantom of the Opera (1925). Includes early experimental dolly and zoom effects. Only the silent or export version survives in full; the sound version is believed lost. A key transitional film between the silent and early sound eras. Trivia: Working titles included “The Play Goes On” and “Erik the Great.” Themes of illusion, jealousy, and obsession run throughout the story. Frequently paired with Fejős’ 1928 film “Lonesome” in modern restorations. Hashtags: #TheLastPerformance1929 #PalFejos #ConradVeidt #MaryPhilbin #UniversalPictures #SilentFilm #PartTalkie #ClassicHollywood #ExpressionistCinema #FilmHistory