Der Golem, wie er in die Welt kam | 1920 | Horror Drama
Library last generated: 2026-01-08 14:23 LOCAL
Watch on YouTube If playback fails, open YouTube.
Title: Der Golem, wie er in die Welt kam | 1920 | Horror Drama
Director: Kurt Hoffmann
Studio: Decla-Bioscop
Starring: Paul Wegener, Albert Steinrück, Lyda Salmonova
Release Date: 1920
Runtime: 82
Format: Silent, Black and White
Country: Germany
Language: Silent
---
Summary:
Der Golem, wie er in die Welt kam is a silent horror film centered on the ancient legend of the Golem, a creature formed from clay and brought to life to protect the Jewish community in Prague from persecution. The story explores themes of power, control, and the consequences of humanity’s attempt to play God, as the Golem's protective intentions evolve into uncontrollable violence.
---
Background:
The film is a seminal work of German Expressionist cinema, directed by Paul Wegener who also stars as the Golem. It is loosely based on Jewish folklore and the literary adaptation by Gustav Meyrink. The film reflects the post-World War I German cultural interest in mysticism and the supernatural, contributing significantly to the development of the horror genre.
---
Trivia:
Paul Wegener had previously portrayed the Golem in earlier films and stage productions before directing this version.
The distinctive stylistic elements, such as the use of stark shadows and distorted sets, are characteristic of German Expressionism.
Der Golem, wie er in die Welt kam influenced later horror and fantasy films through its portrayal of an animated clay figure.
The film was produced during the Weimar Republic era, a period noted for artistic innovation in German cinema.
---
Hashtags:
DerGolem SilentFilm GermanExpressionism Horror ClassicFilm1920