The Golem

(1922)

85 minutes.

Horror / Silent film with music track

Directed by and starring Paul Wegener

In 16th century Prague, Rabbi Loew creates a terrifying giant golem from clay to protect his people from their persecutors.  Employing sorcery, he brings the artificial man to life, endowing him with human emotions.  Famulus, Loew’s evil assistant, manages to take control of the golem, commanding it to perform sordid criminal acts culminating in the kidnapping of the Rabbi’s beautiful daughter, Miriam.  The monster, outraged by his vile misuse. Rebels and a deadly rampage ensues.  With high, angular sets by fames architect Hans Poelzig and full of wonderful imagery captured by the camera of Karl Freund, this silent classic captivates the eye.  Masterfully combining terror and pathos, Wegener’s still-limbed portrayal of the golem is clearly influenced by Boris Karloff’s performance in Frankenstein.