Algol Film 1920

Algol

Directed by Hans Werckmeister

Produced by Deutsche Lichtbild-

Gesellschaft

Written by Hans Brennert

Fridel Köhne

Starring Emil Jannings

John Gottowt

Käthe Haack

Hanna Ralph

Cinematography Axel Graatkjaer

Hermann Kircheldorff

Distributed by Universum Film AG

(UFA)

Release dates September 3, 1920

Running time 81 minutes

Country Weimar Republic

Language Silent film

German intertitles

Algol (film)From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Algol: Tragedy of Power (German:Algol. Tragödie der Macht) is a 1920German science fiction film about analien from the planet Algol.

Contents

1 Production background2 Preservation status3 Plot4 Cast5 See also6 References7 External links

Production background

The film was directed by HansWerckmeister and stars Emil Janningsand John Gottowt. The story centers ona human who is given a machine by analien spirit which, if used, would allowhim to rule the world. The sets for themovie were constructed by WalterReimann, one of the set designers ofThe Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (releasedFebruary 1920).

The film was produced by the DeutscheLichtbild-Gesellschaft (German lightplay company) in Berlin and wasdistributed by Universum Film AG(UFA). Its first release was onSeptember 3, 1920 in Berlin, and wassubsequently released worldwideincluding a launch in Finland on November 7, 1921.

Algol (film) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Algol_(...

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A still from Algol showing thefuturistic scenographycreated by Walter Reimann,also production designer ofCaligari

Preservation status

For many years it was believed that this was a lost film. However, an intactversion has now been recovered. It was screened by MoMA on Monday,November 29, 2010, 7:30 p.m. as part of their film exhibition Weimar Cinema,1919–1933: Daydreams and Nightmares.

Plot

The story follows the life of Robert Herne, whoworks in a coal mine, and his friendship with MariaObal. While working in the mine, he encounters aninhabitant of the planet Algol who gives him aprototype machine which can provide a virtuallyunlimited source of power. Over the next yearHerne sets up a factory providing energy; however,instead of simply relieving workers of the difficultjob of mining, the device creates massive economicupheaval throughout the world.

Over the next 20 years, Herne continues toincrease his power and influence, but he has losttouch with Maria who now lives in the one part ofthe world to which his influence does not extend.

The film follows the machinations of Herne’s son Reginald and his – ultimatelyunsuccessful – attempt at a coup, aiming to seize the secrets of the machine forhimself. Meanwhile, Maria has had a son who travels to meet Herne to ask for hisassistance: his country's coal reserves have expired. Herne initially refusesassistance; Maria visits him to ask in person. He comes to realise the extent towhich he has been corrupted by power. In a moment of realisation, Hernedestroys the machine, thereby preventing his son from taking control after hisdeath.

Cast

Emil Jannings as Robert Herne: The main protagonist of the movie. The filmfollows his life from that of a normal man to that of corrupt dictator over aperiod of 20 years.John Gottowt as Algol: An Alien presumably from the planet orbiting theAlgol star. He gives Robert Herne an advanced alien machine allowing him toproduce unlimited energy reserves. The motivations of Algol for providingsuch a technological device to a less advanced culture are not made clear orexamined further during the movie.


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Hans Adalbert Schlettow as Peter Hell: The son of Herne's friend Maria. Helives in the one part of the world over which Herne still has no influence. Asthat countries coal supplies are exhausted however he travels to meet Herneonly to be told that no assistance can be provided for his people. Heeventually returns to his mother and his homeland without access to themachine but with Magda (Herne's daughter).Hanna Ralph as Maria Obal: Maria and Herne met in the coal mines beforehis encounter with Algol and became friends. During his rise to powerhowever they lost touch and she moved to live in the one part of the worldover which he has no control. Following her sons unsuccessful attempts tonegotiate an energy source for their people she recalls her once closefriendship with Robert and decides to visit him in person. It is partly herinfluence which makes him realise what he has become; a realisation whichultimately leads to him destroying the machine.Erna Morena as Yella Ward.Ernst Hofmann as Reginald Herne: Robert Herne’s son and chosensuccessor. Despite his fathers promises to one day show him the secrets ofthe machine he becomes hungry for power and seeks to overthrow his fatherby means of a coup. Robert however destroys the machine before his son canlearn its secrets.Gertrude Welcker as Leonore Nissen.Käthe Haack as Magda Herne: Robert Herne’s daughter. Following herfathers refusal to provide energy to Maria’s country she realises the extentto which he has become corrupted and chooses to leave with Peter.Sebastian Droste as a dancer

See also

List of rediscovered films

References

Conley, Patrick (1989). Algol. Bildprotokoll und Verzeichnis der Inserts (inGerman). Frankfurt: Goethe University. OCLC 75068708 (//www.worldcat.org/oclc/75068708).Courtade, Francis (1984). Cinéma Expressionniste (in French) (1st ed.).Paris: Henry Veyrier. ISBN 2-85199-334-8.Wingrove, David (1985). Science Fiction Film Source Book. Harlow:Longman. ISBN 0-582-89239-2.

External links


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Internet Movie Database (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0010953/combined)Filmportal.de (http://www.filmportal.de/df/0b/Credits,,,,,,,,EA43D4A697625006E03053D50B37753Dcredits,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.html)Science Fiction and Silent Film Website (http://www.silentsf.com/essay/algol.html)Scifilm.org (http://www.scifilm.org/musing1085.html)MoMA screening information (http://www.moma.org/visit/calendar/film_screenings/10744)Algol (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0010953/) at the Internet Movie DatabaseAlgol (http://www.allmovie.com/movie/v83382) at allmovie

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Algol Film 1920