Legion Protests Caligari Showing in Los Angeles -- May 17, 2021

 

Motion Picture News, 21-May-1921

In 1919, German director Robert Weine created The Cabinet of Dr Caligari, an expressionist horror film. The movie premiered in Germany in early 1920. In 1921, it premiered in the United States and caused an uproar, distributed by Goldwyn. I think I first saw it on KQED-Channel 9, our local PBS station. 

Conrad Veidt played Cesare, the Somnambulist. Werner Krauss played Doctor Caligari.

Motion Picture News, 07-May-1921

"The Town Clerk Insults Dr. Caligari." I cannot find the name of the actor who played the town clerk. The character later came to regret this act. I think his desk needs some ergonomic adjustments.

Motion Picture News, 21-May-1921

The American Legion, a veterans' organization, opposed the showing of Caligari, not because it was a weird film but because it was made in Germany.

The Cabinet of Dr Caligari -- April 15, 2021

 

Motion Picture News, 23-April-1921

In 1919, German director Robert Weine created The Cabinet of Dr Caligari, an expressionist horror film. The movie premiered in Germany in early 1920. 100 years ago this month, it premiered in the United States and caused an uproar. I think I first saw it on KQED-Channel 9, our local PBS station. 

Conrad Veidt played Cesare, the Somnambulist.

Motion Picture News, 23-April-1921

Werner Krauss played Doctor Caligari.

Motion Picture News, 23-April-1921

Lil Dagover played the unfortunate Jane.

Motion Picture News, 23-April-1921

Cesare and Caligari.

Motion Picture News, 30-April-1921

Caligari at the fair.

Motion Picture News, 16-April-1921

Conrad Veidt 125 -- January 22, 2018

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Conrad Veidt was born 125 years ago today, on 22-January-1893.  He served on the Eastern Front during World War One.  He became ill and was hospitalized.  Eventually he was medically discharged.  He pursued a career in the theater, and soon started appearing in German movies.  He played many memorable parts.

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He played Cesare the somnambulist in The Cabinet of Dr Caligari.

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He played Gwynplaine in The Man Who Laughs.

Veidt opposed the Nazis.  When they came to power, he and his Jewish wife went to Britain.  Later they went to the United States.

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He played Jaffar in The Thief of Baghdad.

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He played Major Heinrich Strasser in Casablanca.

Soon after, Conrad Veidt died of a heart attack.