#231: LANG, Fritz: The Testament Of Dr. Mabuse (1933)

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LANG, Fritz (Germany)
The Testament Of Dr. Mabuse [1933]
Spine #231
DVD


Locked away in an asylum for a decade and teetering between life and death, the criminal mastermind Dr. Mabuse (Rudolf Klein-Rogge) has scribbled his last will and testament, a manifesto establishing a future empire of crime. When the document's nefarious writings lead to terrifying parallels in reality, it's up to Berlin's star detective, Inspector Lohmann (Otto Wernicke, reprising his role in M), to connect the fragmented, maddening clues in a case unlike any other. Reuniting with the title character from his successful silent film, Dr. Mabuse, the Gambler, Fritz Lang's The Testament of Dr. Mabuse appropriates slogans and ideas from the newly ascendant Nazi party and puts them into the mouth of a madman, warning his audience of the horrible menace that was rapidly becoming a reality. A landmark of mystery and suspense for countless espionage and noir thrillers to come, Criterion is proud to present the complete, uncut original director's version in a stunning new high-definition transfer.

121 minutes
Black & White
Monaural
in German
1:19:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2004
Director/Writers


Screenplay by Fritz Lang and Thea von Harbou.
Lang was 43 when he directed The Testament of Dr. Mabuse.

Other Lang films in the Collection:

#30: M (1931)
#649: Ministry Of Fear (1944)

The Film

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Eight-page wraparound featuring an essay by Tom Gunning.

Commentary

By David Kalat, author of The Strange Case of Dr. Mabuse.

Complete

French-language version of the film, Le Testament du Dr. Mabuse, filmed simultaneously by Lang with French actors.
Excerpts

From For Example Fritz Lang (Zum Beispiel Fritz Lang), a 1964 interview with Lang, directed by famed German documentarian Erwin Leiser (Mein Kampf).
Mabuse in Mind (Mabuse im Gedächtnis)

A 1984 film by Thomas Honickel featuring an interview with actor Schündler.
Comparison

Between the 1933 German version, the French version, and The Crimes of Dr. Mabuse, the edited and dubbed American version of the film.
Interview

With German Mabuse expert Michael Farin about writer Norbert Jacques, creator of the Mabuse character.
Production design

Drawings by art director Emil Hasler (M, The Blue Angel).

Collection

Of memorabilia, press books, stills, and posters.

Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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