Back to the collection

OPEN CLASSIC CINEMA · 885

Thunderbolt

192991 minUnited States

Video edition: Wikimedia Commons
Original language: English
This copy runs: 91:16
Subtitles: No subtitle track in this language

Languages and subtitles

No subtitle track in this language

Wikimedia Commons · Josef von Sternberg · Public domain

Synopsis

A criminal facing execution learns that his former partner in romance loves a bank clerk. From prison he arranges for the younger man to be framed and brought within reach. Confined near the rival he wants to kill, he must confront a relationship that his schemes can punish but cannot restore.

Cast

George Bancroft

Fay Wray

Richard Arlen

Tully Marshall

Eugenie Besserer

DirectorsJosef von Sternberg

Behind the scenes

Sternberg's first sound film was also prepared in a silent version for cinemas without the new equipment. The talking version uses the prison environment and offscreen sound as part of the dramatic space surrounding the condemned men.

Sources and availability

General references identify the work and its copy. A reference beside an editorial section is linked to the claims checked in that section.

Wikipedia — film reference Wikidata — film identity and credits

Work catalogued as public domain in the United States.

The public-domain references concern the original films in the United States. Rights can differ for other countries, editions, restorations, music or translations. Sources are listed on each film page.

Availability checked on September 12, 2026.

Photograph credit

Photographs cropped, resized and optimized as WebP, displayed in monochrome.

George Bancroft — Unknown photographer Unknown photographer · Public domain
Fay Wray — Studio publicity still · Public domain
Richard Arlen — Unkn own · Public domain
Tully Marshall — Paramount Pictures · Public domain
Eugenie Besserer — Film World Publishing; Who's Who in the Film World - edited by Fred C. Justice & Tom R. Smith – 1914 - pg. 130, · Public domain

Audience rating

Loading ratings…