Through extraordinary powers of hypnotic persuasion, menacing mesmerist Svengali (Donald Wolfit) transforms a beautiful artist's model named Trilby (Hildegard Knef) into a world-renowned singer. Along the way, Trilby slowly forgets the young starving artist (Terence Morgan) who loves her. Wolfit was nominated for the British BAFTA Film Award for his spirited star turn in this romantic drama based on the classic George Du Maurier novel Trilby.