Der Golem

The silent film at the Usher Hall this year was Der Golem, a German film from 1920. There was also a short film, Frankenstein from 1910 which was very interesting. Some very interesting special effects and great use of a mirror.

Der Golem was superb. It is set in medieval Prague. The Emperor decides to banish the Jews from the city so the chief rabbi creates a clay creature to impress him with. It works but the Golem runs amok with tragic consequences. The sets are amazing and the creature, stymied by an enormous costume has to act mainly with his eyebrows. Excellent film as always and amazing live organ playing by Donald MacKenzie.