In The Dybbuk, as in mysticism and love, the past has a magnetic pull on thepresent, and the dead are as alluring as the living. Khonnon (LeonLiebgold) and Leah (Lili Liliana), betrothed before birth, meet, knowingnothing of the vows. Khonnon becomes obsessed with Leah and begins todabble in the kabbala. Leah is betrothed to a wealthy man, and Khonnonoffers her his body, soul and intelligence-via Satan-and dies. Leah'sfather invites the spirit of her dead mother to the wedding; Leahinvites Khonnon from the grave. The film is filled with haunting,unforgettable scenes that verge on the surreal, set to choreography byJudith Berg. Jewish mysticism links with expressionism-as in Nosferatuor Vampyr, man is an insubstantial presence in the cinematic ether.Ansky's play was written during the turbulent years of 1912-1917,Waszynski's 1937 film made during another period of prewar unease; shoton location in rural Poland, it captures a rich folk heritage.