The Golem (Der Golem, wie er in die Welt kam) (1920)

100% of critics liked it
(8 reviews)
72% of users liked it
(2,332 ratings)

Actor-director Paul Wegener made three films built around the mythical creature of Jewish legend: Golem was released in 1914, and a sequel of sorts, Der Golem und die Tänzerin, came out in 1917. This is the one film which has survived and is regarded among the landmarks of early German… More Actor-director Paul Wegener made three films built around the mythical creature of Jewish legend: Golem was released in 1914, and a sequel of sorts, Der Golem und die Tänzerin, came out in 1917. This is the one film which has survived and is regarded among the landmarks of early German expressionism. In medieval Prague, Rabbi Loew (Albert Steinruck) observes the stars and concludes that trouble is brewing for his people. When the emperor issues a decree threatening the expulsion of Jews from the city, the rabbi, a master of magic, activates the Golem, a monstrous clay figure, to help save his congregation. The rabbi's daughter, Miriam (Lyda Salmonova, who also played this role in the 1914 film) is courted by two men, Famulus (Ernst Deutsch), the rabbi's assistant, and Knight Florian (Lathar Menthel), a messenger for the emperor. Famulus re-activates the Golem to vanquish his rival, and the monster goes berserk. Stylized sets and moody cinematography elevated Der Golem above the standard features of its time, its central figure has been the focus of a number of films produced in various countries, and the name has become a generic descriptor for any lumbering creature which can't be easily controlled. ~ Tom Wiener, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 15 min.
Directed By: Carl Boese, Paul Wegener
Genres: Horror, Art House & International, Classics, Science Fiction & Fantasy

On DVD: Mar 8, 2005

Critic Reviews

Don Druker, Chicago Reader
Of the four extant versions of this perennial horror classic, Paul Wegener's 1920 version remains the best.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
The Golem, carefully crafted and visually impressive work, has lost little of its power over the decades.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
This classic in horror is mainly enjoyed for its powerful visuals.
, Film4
Paul Wegener directs and stars in an enduring example of German Expressionist horror, based on an ancient Jewish myth.
Harvey S. Karten, Compuserve
Wes Craven could take some clues from Paul Wegener's concepts.

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

This movie is pretty magical for it's time, and the plot seems interesting at first, but I didn't understand how and if the Golem saved the jews in the end. It's not very clear.
El Hombre I

The film's special effects, musical score, and editing make it an easy entry in the classic horror genre. However, it takes a back seat when compared to its' peers. The vision of actor Paul Wegener clomping about in platform heels and starched wig is comical rather than an… More
The film's special effects, musical score, and editing make it an easy entry in the classic horror genre. However, it takes a back seat when compared to its' peers. The vision of actor Paul Wegener clomping about in platform heels and starched wig is comical rather than an horrific sight by modern audiences, but The Golem is a good story and Wegener and Carl Boese's direction is exceptional. The images are striking and many scenes will resonate in the mind, made all the more powerful through silent cinema. <a href="http://s273.photobucket.com/albums/jj203/goji9000/?action=view¤t=golem.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj203/goji9000/golem.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Alice S

More a tale than a horror movie, to be honest, but a good story very well done, with a strong message (not very safe to play by the God). Really beautiful sets and costumes... just like in a tale! Jewish issues are an interesting choice, especially in light of the end. I understand… More
More a tale than a horror movie, to be honest, but a good story very well done, with a strong message (not very safe to play by the God). Really beautiful sets and costumes... just like in a tale! Jewish issues are an interesting choice, especially in light of the end. I understand that one of them still has that star and the story can restart anytime. It's just my imagination or is read so that they are an extremely powerful and dangerous people, because I have never heard that Jews had used witchcraft?
Eduardo C

could have sworn i reviewed this...