Benjamin Christianson — Another Foreign Director (1925) 🇺🇸

From Denmark comes another foreign director, Benjamin Christianson, unknown in this country save for rumors concerning the power of his ten-reel production, “The Witch,” made in Copenhagen.

Detailing the effect of witchcraft in medieval days on the nervous temperament of the modern woman, this scientific drama and study of psychology has taken Europe by storm but is said to be too far in advance of the present American screen to risk exhibition here. He wrote The Witch, (Häxan (1922)), directed it, and played a leading rôle.

Upon completing his education at the University of Copenhagen, Christianson became a protégé of the Danish government and was sent to the various European capitals to study the drama. His first picture work was in the impressive French production of “Les Misérables.” Then he was discovered by Metro-Goldwyn scouts.

His first American production will be made from an original story which he is now writing. He speaks English with difficulty, which, however, is no handicap to his curiosity.

—

Collection: Picture Play Magazine, July 1925