BYU screening to show 1922 anti-Mormon film

PROVO — In conjunction with the current issue of Brigham Young University's BYU Studies journal, "Mormons and Film," BYU Studies will present a free special screening of the 1922 anti-Mormon movie, "Trapped by the Mormons," Friday, at 7 p.m. in the Harold B. Lee Library Auditorium. The film will be introduced by James V. D'Arc, curator of the BYU Motion Picture Archive.

D'Arc was instrumental in restoring the film in 2005. Although "Trapped by the Mormons" was seen as a threat to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when it was first released, today it is more of a novelty, providing a humorous look at vampire-like Mormon missionaries who use their "mesmeric powers" to lure young British women away to Utah to become polygamous brides.

D'Arc's article in the new BYU Studies special issue on Mormons and film compares "Trapped by the Mormons" with Bram Stoker's "Dracula." The "Mormons and Film" issue of BYU Studies costs $17.95 and is available at the BYU Bookstore or online at byustudies.byu.edu.