Sven-jolly -- What is it?

I just wanted to know....what was Elaine, Jerry and George talking about with the 'Sven jolly' dialogue? I'm not familiar with who or what 'Svengale' (sp) is. Thanks to anyone who can 'enlighten' me. -Pamela Cho-

In article [email] writes:

Svengali was a fictitious evil hypnotist, I think from a novel (though I can't identify it). The name has become used as a term to describe anybody who attempts to coerce others, generally through subtle manipulation, into doing their bidding. Normally the coercer has evil intentions and does the coercion in such a way that the coerced individual is unaware.

This mispronunciation by Elaine was brilliant... exactly the sort of stupid, inconsequential slip that we know would drive Elaine absolutely nuts, given the pride she takes in her intellectual abilities. What writers!

In article , [email] writes:

Svengali was a character in the book Trilby. He was a hypnotist who had strong control over a woman named Trilby.

The book was written by George du Murier and was made into a movie in the 30s starring John Barrymore.

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Thanks for the information! PC