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The Golem
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Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: Unrated
Binding: DVD
EAN: 0766483214968
Format: Black & White, DVD-Video, NTSC
Label: Alpha Video
Manufacturer: Alpha Video
MPN: 4047
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: Alpha Video
Region Code: 1
Release Date: September 24, 2002
Running Time: 85 minutes
Studio: Alpha Video
Theatrical Release Date: June 19, 1921
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Editorial Review:
A relic certainly, but a fascinating one, Der Golem is perhaps the screen's first great monster movie. Though it was actually the third time director-star Paul Wegener had played the eponymous creation, the earlier efforts (sadly lost) were rough drafts for this elaborate dramatization of the Jewish legend. When the Emperor decrees that the Jews of mediaeval Prague should be evicted from the ghetto, a mystical rabbi creates a clay giant and summons the demon Astaroth who breathes out in smoky letters the magic word that will animate the golem. Intended as a protector and avenger, the golem is twisted by the machinations of a lovelorn assistant and, like many a monster to come, runs riot, terrorizing guilty and innocent alike until a little girl innocently ends his rampage. Wegener's golem is an impressively solid figure, the Frankenstein monster with a slightly comical clay wig. The wonderfully grotesque Prague sets and the alchemical atmosphere remain potent. --Kim Newman
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Poorly Paced but Visually Captivating Early Horror Film.
"The Golem: How He Came into The World" (1920) is the only extant film in Paul Wegener's Golem trilogy, which was the first horror series in cinema. "The Golem" (1915) and "The Golem and the Dancing Girl" (1917) did not survive, but that doesn't matter in viewing the third film, because "How He Came into The World" is a prequel, not a sequel. It retells the most famous Golem story, inspired by the 16th century Jewish legend of a monster made of clay and brought to life to protect the persecuted Jews ... Read More
Rating:  - Expressionist classic
An excellent silent film made in Germany in 1920 and making great use of the expressionist style of filmmaking from that era. Made by the same studio that produced The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari that same year. It was one of the first "monster movies" as well. This movie was a huge influence on James Whale when he made Frankenstein in 1931. It involves a Jewish community being persecuted by Christians. The Jewish rabbi uses "black magic" to bring a clay statue to life in order to protect them from the Christian ... Read More
Rating: - Fascinating relic
I hadn't realized how much this movie set the pattern for the ones that came after. The golem's straight-legged walk and padded chest will certainly look familiar, as will some of the scenes (including the monster and child). Other parts are less familiar but even more intriguing, including the celebration of European Jewish traditions going back to the 1600s.
The cover of this DVD is garishly colorized - don't worry, the movie itself has not suffered that fate. On the other hand, it hasn't gotten ... Read More
Rating: - Creepy !
Weird,odd and creepy !Story is taken from an old myth,and put to film.
Rating: - Gothic tale of horror
Based on a legend that began in 1580 Prague, this early example of German Expressionism is also a fine example of an early horror movie. The lighting and shadows, Gothic/Expressionist surroundings, the dark forces swirling around, and the creepy-looking Golem all contribute towards making this a landmark film. It's set in the abovementioned 16th century Prague, in the Jewish ghetto of the city (one can see the pointed hats and the strange-looking badges a number of the characters are wearing, a common practice ... Read More
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