Veritas vincit (1919)

Veritas vincit is an elaborate historical film, especially in its production design, which attempts to illustrate the eternal triumph of truth over lies through three allegorical episodes. The first part is set in ancient Rome during the time of Decius. The second, medieval part takes place in a small town around the year 1500. The third and final part unfolds at a small European princely court shortly before the outbreak of the First World War. In the first two parts, the characters seal their fates through their dishonesty, and their lies lead to tragic turns of events. In the final, “modern” episode, the protagonist learns from the mistakes of the past. By professing the truth, she saves her love and overcomes all social prejudices. The recurring motifs that connect the three episodes are a magic ring and the theme of the transmigration of souls.