HITHERTO is a black and white, silent movie about guilt. A crime is committed, punishment is expected to follow. However, punishment does not only come from without, it comes from within. A poor and hungry beggar robs a coffin to buy himself food, and does not get caught. This definitely makes some reference to the kind of society we have been hitherto living in, one where small crimes are dealt with little or no punishment. However, the beggar's true punishment is his guilt, his remorse.