A brilliant "lost" film, rarely seen since its release 49 years ago, Fritz Lang's version of the Molnar fantasy is a richly inventive work and remains his only tragic comedy. Charles Boyer is featured in this French-language production (our print is in French without English subtitles, however a complete synopsis will be provided). Liliom, which was also filmed by Frank Borzage in 1930 and by Henry King as Carousel in 1956, tells the story of a roguish fairground barker who embarks on a robbery in order to get money to support his pregnant girlfriend. When the hold-up fails, he kills himself rather than face a lifetime in prison. He is sent by celestial express to Heaven...whence he returns to earth for one last chance after an interview with the "Chief Magistrate." The British Film Institute notes that "the theme of a love which transcends earthly barriers is Borzage-like, but also relates to (Lang's) Destiny. The repressive nature of the police station on Earth is paralleled by its Heavenly counterpart, and a section of Liliom's life is replayed on celestial television."