The Golem

(Der Golem, wie er in die Welt kam, Carl Boese & Paul Wegener, Germany 1920, 85 min., 35mm)

Silent Tuesdays. Co-director Paul Wegener plays the title role in this film based on a sixteenth century Jewish myth about a rabbi who conjures up a clay monster (the Golem), to convince the Hapsburg emperor to stop persecuting his people. Fascinated by the legend, this film is the third version made by Wegener, and it is famous for its fantastic sets of the city of Prague, designed by architect Hans Poelzig. A classic horror film, The Golem is a forerunner of both Frankenstein and King Kong in its treatment of a monstrous creature who inspires both fear and sympathy in humans. Live piano by Philip C. Carli. Special support provided by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Please note, start time is 8 p.m., not 2 p.m. as printed in the member's bulletin.