10) Die Spinnen/The Spiders (1919 & 1920)

The last of our key figures of Weimar era cinema, as well as the last to leave the country to find sanctuary and prestige in America, Fritz Lang may be the most enduring name silent neophytes would be familiar with. The titanic impact of films like Metropolis (1927) and M (1931) solidified his reputation as a master long before he made an impact shaping American cinema, bringing his expressionistic sensibilities to some of the most important Film Noirs working in the studio system in the 1950s.

He's best remembered, however, for the his numerous silent spectacles, the first of which was a two-part adventure serial which survives as the earliest work still existing from the burgeoning director. Die Spinnen (or, The Spiders) was the first step for Lang in an unparalleled career to come, as well as an exemplar of an often overlooked mode of filmmaking which was surging at the same time the Feature Film was coming into prominence as the default iteration of the medium. Lang's early career touches on many of the important touchstones covered throughout our survey of the Weimar period, as well as some additional figures and films we have yet to properly discuss. Join us for this final entry into the sage of 1920s Germany, capping off the foundational history of this important filmic era.

Many thanks to Graham Austin and Jack Davenport for the creation of our beautiful logo art and theme music respectively.Many thanks to Graham Austin and Jack Davenport for the creation of our beautiful logo art and theme music respectively.