DR. MABUSE, THE GAMBLER / Dr. Mabuse, der Spieler
Dir.: Fritz Lang | Scr.: Fritz Lang, Thea von Harbou (based on a novel by Norbert Jacques) | Cin.: Carl Hoffmann | Cast: Rudolf Klein-Rogge, Aud Egede-Nissen, Gertrude Welcker, Alfred Abel | Prod.: Erich Pommer
In a society on the brink of collapse, amid chaos and corruption, psychiatrist, hypnotist, master of disguise, and criminal mastermind Dr. Mabuse controls the stock market, lures the aristocracy into gambling, manipulates politicians and businessmen, and plans the abduction of the woman he desires. A courageous prosecutor begins to unravel the web of deception…
This monumental thriller, first of three films featuring Dr. Mabuse- the “hero” of Norbert Jacques’ novels- is divided into two parts and runs 4½ hours. It serves as a political commentary on Germany’s post-World War Ι identity and moral crisis, while also exploring the link between genius and madness. Listed in 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die (alongside four other films by Lang), it marked the first appearance on screen of such a deeply sinister central character.