An anti-Mormon propaganda film made in England in 1922, this was an adaptation of a novel by a woman named Winifred Graham, written in 1911. It was a popular novel at the time, and the film itself was quite popular, too. The evil Mormon elder, played by Louis Willoughby, is so charming that, with about ten words, he persuades Evelyn Brent to dump her fiancé and join up with him. It's only after Brent marries Willoughby that she realizes she's not his first wife. Worse yet, she's convinced several of her co-workers to join up with the other Mormon missionaries. As with most historical curios, this is, in large part, a bore. It definitely has its laughable moments, though, and Willoughby's scenery chewing is fun. I wish I could have rented this instead of buying it, but the Grapevine DVD, produced in 2006, is very impressive. The main feature looks very good considering its age (only the most famous films from the time are ever going to look close to great, and this was an independently produced propaganda picture from Great Britain), and there are tons of nice extras, including the entire original novel, a cute sketch about Mormons by the Edison company from 1905, and a lot of interviews about the film itself.
7 Reviews
Campy Anti-Mormon Propaganda
Cineanalyst28 November 2012
Warning: Spoilers
"Trapped by the Mormons" is a British B-picture silent film and a piece of anti-Mormon propaganda. In it, predatory Mormon trickster Isoldi Keene uses his "mesmeric powers" to lure Nora Prescott out of her parents' home in the Manchester suburbs and into his trap. His attempts to marry her, however, are thwarted by the revelation that he already has a wife and is a polygamist.
Keene's "mesmeric powers" seem to derive mostly form his eyes, which the filmmakers emphasized with some extreme close-ups and iris framings. He also uses some actors to trick some girls into believing that Mormonism has given him the miraculous powers to breath life into a dead woman. Perhaps even more ludicrous and unintentionally amusing are Nora's paralytic father's convulsing reactions to Mormons. In his final conniption fit over a Mormon missionary coming to his home, Mr. Prescott gets out of his wheelchair-discovering the ability to walk again, as he knocks over and throws things at the missionary. Mrs. Prescott proclaims, "Oh, my dear, to think that out of this evil comes a little bit of good. You can move! You can move!"
"Trapped by the Mormons" not only greatly mischaracterizes the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (for instance, they had abandoned the practice of polygamy decades before 1922) and portrays Mormons as rapacious kidnappers, it also endorses anti-Mormon violence. In one scene, Nora's ex-boyfriend awaits Isoldi after he gives an open-air sermon to give him a surprise whipping. At other times, characters lament that the religion is even allowed in Britain and that they can't legally just break into Isoldi's residence-although that's exactly what they end up doing to rescue Nora.
For a B-picture from 1922, "Trapped by the Mormons" actually features decent production values. Those close-ups of Isoldi's eyes and some hammy acting, however, in addition to an absurd narrative make for a campy, so-bad-its-good picture. Despite serious intentions to produce propaganda, such a stupid message of bigotry deserves to become camp.
(Note: There are three scenes featuring reflections in a mirror while a woman preps. Another note: This is the best DVD presentation from Grapevine video that I've seen, including several extras and a commentary from Brigham Young University professor James D'Arc that compares the film to a vampire tale.)
Keene's "mesmeric powers" seem to derive mostly form his eyes, which the filmmakers emphasized with some extreme close-ups and iris framings. He also uses some actors to trick some girls into believing that Mormonism has given him the miraculous powers to breath life into a dead woman. Perhaps even more ludicrous and unintentionally amusing are Nora's paralytic father's convulsing reactions to Mormons. In his final conniption fit over a Mormon missionary coming to his home, Mr. Prescott gets out of his wheelchair-discovering the ability to walk again, as he knocks over and throws things at the missionary. Mrs. Prescott proclaims, "Oh, my dear, to think that out of this evil comes a little bit of good. You can move! You can move!"
"Trapped by the Mormons" not only greatly mischaracterizes the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (for instance, they had abandoned the practice of polygamy decades before 1922) and portrays Mormons as rapacious kidnappers, it also endorses anti-Mormon violence. In one scene, Nora's ex-boyfriend awaits Isoldi after he gives an open-air sermon to give him a surprise whipping. At other times, characters lament that the religion is even allowed in Britain and that they can't legally just break into Isoldi's residence-although that's exactly what they end up doing to rescue Nora.
For a B-picture from 1922, "Trapped by the Mormons" actually features decent production values. Those close-ups of Isoldi's eyes and some hammy acting, however, in addition to an absurd narrative make for a campy, so-bad-its-good picture. Despite serious intentions to produce propaganda, such a stupid message of bigotry deserves to become camp.
(Note: There are three scenes featuring reflections in a mirror while a woman preps. Another note: This is the best DVD presentation from Grapevine video that I've seen, including several extras and a commentary from Brigham Young University professor James D'Arc that compares the film to a vampire tale.)
2006 DVD Release Something Special!
blue-727 August 2006
7 Stars for this BAD film! Yes, because as presented in this particular DVD it is a fascinating look from a historical point-of-view. It is also one of the few of many anti-Mormon films from the silent period to survive. Read on and you will better understand why I consider this release to be something of a gem: On October 3, 2006, after better than a year of working on the project, Grapevine Video releases the DVD version of "Trapped by the Mormons" in a deluxe version that you would only expect to see for a Warner Bros. release. Everything but the picture quality of the film is first rate (and we're lucky to have a print of this film at all). The graphics that make up the DVD cover and the main menu are a knock-out. They come from the original trade ads and handbills used in Great Britain to sell this film. The original score done by Blaine Gale lifts this film to a new realm; and the recording using Ray Kimber's IsoMike system is the finest recording of a theatre pipe organ that I have ever heard! The original commentary track by Film Historian James D'Arc gives insights into the period of time that spawned this anti-Mormon film and compares it with Braum Stoker's "Dracula". The documentary material with newspaper editor and film critics, Chris Hicks and Sean Means is also quite fascinating. There is a wonderful section that lets the viewer actually watch the score being recorded at the restored Egyptian Theatre in Odgen, Utah, while at the same time letting us see Blaine Gale talking about his approach to the music as the film itself is seen in one corner of the frame. WOW! And if that weren't enough -- Winifred Graham's very rare 1911 novel, "The Love Story of a Mormon" (from which the film was based) is included on the DVD. Set up in chapters, it is very easy to read. Now for the first time it is possible to read the source material (which is very rare indeed) and compare it with the film. If the film is over the top, then so is the book! The film plays as though the characters in the novel had stepped off the printed page onto the screen. Also included is the Thomas Edison 1905 release of "A Trip to Salt Lake City", a delightful 2 minute film that pokes fun at a man attempting to get his children and wives settled down for the night in a Pullman car. This little short comes with a choice of three different scores, done by Blaine Gale on a keyboard and two different Wurlitzler Theatre Organs. What a treat! As for the film itself, it is actually better directed and acted than one might think at first viewing. Read the book and compare it with the film -- there are some excellent performances by several members of the cast. It may be a "B" film, but it is a well made "B" film. Today it is of great historical interest -- and this DVD has given it a first-rate treatment! It may be obtained by going to: www.halevideo.com or www.grapevinevideo.com
Genius in its awfulness
mctheimer17 August 2000
This is, without question, my Favorite Bad Movie. I first saw it about 20 years ago as a college midnight movie, and it stayed with me. I finally found it on tape at and actually bought it, which is something I rarely do. However, this film is so memorably and ineptly hilarious, I had to get it.
It's a silent British film which is to Mormonism as "Reefer Madness" is to marijuana usage. The plot -- what there is of it -- is of a Mormon polygamist luring small-town English girls to forced marriages, upon which they are sent off to Salt Lake City. Needless to say, the heroine, played by Evelyn Brent, is saved by her poor, wheelchair-bound father and her dashing sailor boyfriend.
This film is best experienced with the soundtrack turned off and about 42 beers, with a group of friends who are all able to come up with alternative voiceovers. If it had been science fiction, this would have been a prime MST3k flick. Trust me; it's worth every penny of the $9.99 plus shipping you'll pay for it.
It's a silent British film which is to Mormonism as "Reefer Madness" is to marijuana usage. The plot -- what there is of it -- is of a Mormon polygamist luring small-town English girls to forced marriages, upon which they are sent off to Salt Lake City. Needless to say, the heroine, played by Evelyn Brent, is saved by her poor, wheelchair-bound father and her dashing sailor boyfriend.
This film is best experienced with the soundtrack turned off and about 42 beers, with a group of friends who are all able to come up with alternative voiceovers. If it had been science fiction, this would have been a prime MST3k flick. Trust me; it's worth every penny of the $9.99 plus shipping you'll pay for it.
A "B" Movie Finds Some Excellence
visunitaforitor19 June 2006
A "10" !!! for this movie you say! I've seen something you haven't - some pre-release material for a new DVD devoted to this title slated for Fall 2006 release to be released by Grapevine Video of Phoenix, Az. It contains an organ score so good that it seems to be part of the emulsion of the film. Blaine Gale's beautifully inspiring score was recorded at the newly restored Wurlitzer at the Peery's Egyptian Theater in Ogden, Ut. But get this - it was recorded using Ray Kimber's fantastic IsoMike system which has to be heard to be believed. The titles for TRAPPED have been cleaned up and the transfer to DVD of the film comes from the finest known elements available (16mm). If somebody knows where a good 35mm print of this title is, let Grapevine know. The disc contains a fascinating commentary track that enhances this "hilarious artifact from a by-gone era". The film so blatantly full of vicious anti-Mormon propaganda, now stands in a new light and is seen for what it was (is) and the whole experience is unintentionally hilarious. Watch for this one.
Poor
Michael_Elliott7 March 2008
Trapped By the Mormons (1922)
* (out of 4)
Extremely bizarre and twisted British film, which is based on a 1911 novel written by a woman who tried her best to end the Mormon faith. This propaganda film is about an innocent young girl who falls prey to an evil Mormon man. First the man steals her away from her parents and then he tries to control her every move. The film tries oh so hard to spit on the Mormon faith and in the end it comes off as the Reefer Madness of faith films. The film is just so over the top in its writing and direction that you can't help but laugh at everything you see. The close ups of the man's eyes whenever he does anything evil is downright funny but sadly there aren't enough funny spots to keep this "drama" from being any good. The performances are all pretty bad as is everything else in this film. It's certainly worth watching once for its insane views but that's about it.
* (out of 4)
Extremely bizarre and twisted British film, which is based on a 1911 novel written by a woman who tried her best to end the Mormon faith. This propaganda film is about an innocent young girl who falls prey to an evil Mormon man. First the man steals her away from her parents and then he tries to control her every move. The film tries oh so hard to spit on the Mormon faith and in the end it comes off as the Reefer Madness of faith films. The film is just so over the top in its writing and direction that you can't help but laugh at everything you see. The close ups of the man's eyes whenever he does anything evil is downright funny but sadly there aren't enough funny spots to keep this "drama" from being any good. The performances are all pretty bad as is everything else in this film. It's certainly worth watching once for its insane views but that's about it.
Very well made...though I am sure it will raise a few eyebrows today!
planktonrules14 December 2021
"Trapped by the Mormons" is a British film which represents international suspicions at that time about the Latter Day Saints. You can also see another view of this suspicion in one of Arthur Conan Doyle's story "A Study in Scarlet". Doubtless this will likely offend many today and if you show it to a Morman, their heads are likely to explode...or worse.
The story is set in England and is about a Svengali-like Mormon, Isoldi Keene. Keene is very keen to seduce Nora into his religion and make her one of her wives. She turns out to not only be eager to join but convinces many of her friends of the righteousness of Brother Keene. Later, however, she learns the truth...but by then it might just be too late!
Among the many ill deeds done by Keene and his evil minions is a fake resurrection, an abduction and two attempted murders. And, while SOME evil deeds were perpetrated by the Church (such as the documented massacre of a group of non-Mormon settlers in 1857), the things you see in this film are pretty fictional and are bound to offend. HOWEVER, I'll also point out that regardless, it is very entertaining and very well made for 1922. The acting is good, the script taut and the overall story is still very watchable today despite it being a silent.
The story is set in England and is about a Svengali-like Mormon, Isoldi Keene. Keene is very keen to seduce Nora into his religion and make her one of her wives. She turns out to not only be eager to join but convinces many of her friends of the righteousness of Brother Keene. Later, however, she learns the truth...but by then it might just be too late!
Among the many ill deeds done by Keene and his evil minions is a fake resurrection, an abduction and two attempted murders. And, while SOME evil deeds were perpetrated by the Church (such as the documented massacre of a group of non-Mormon settlers in 1857), the things you see in this film are pretty fictional and are bound to offend. HOWEVER, I'll also point out that regardless, it is very entertaining and very well made for 1922. The acting is good, the script taut and the overall story is still very watchable today despite it being a silent.
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