However, the film turned out to be one of Griffith's most fully realized works and its critical stock has risen considerably in the last several decades.

[3] As described in a film magazine review,[4] the old tale is told of how the archangel Lucifer defied the authority of God and was dismissed from heaven until by a redemption of souls he again earns his right in the high places.

Struggling writer Geoffrey Tempest denounces God and declares himself willing to sell his soul to the devil in return for worldly possessions.

Tempest tastes life at its sweetest, or at its bitterest, as you will, and ascends to the uppermost rungs of European society.

The American version of The Sorrows of Satan had Lya de Putti's character play a nightclub scene with enough attire to pass the censors.