Dr. Mabuse, the Gambler (1922)
Directed by Fritz Lang
Genres - Thriller |
Sub-Genres - Master Criminal Films, Police Detective Film |
Run Time - 195 min. |
Countries - Germany |
MPAA Rating - NR
Share on
Synopsis by Hal Erickson
Dr. Mabuse: The Gambler is the eight-reel version of Fritz Lang's twenty reeler, two-part silent thriller, Dr. Mabuse. Mabuse (Rudolph Klein-Rogge) a sinister mesmerist/psychiatrist, toys with the weaknesses of the rich and influential. He worms his way into the confidence of wealthy men, plays cards with them, hypnotizes them into cheating at their businesses, then puts them in a position to be blackmailed so that he can corner the stock market. A devilishly ingenious plan-but Mabuse is up against the plodding, methodical police detective Wrenk, whose subconscious is not so easily swayed...at least, not at first. In 1932, Lang directed a talkie sequel to Dr. Mabuse the Gambler, The Testament of Dr. Mabuse.
Characteristics
Moods
Themes
Keywords
criminal, mind-control, decadence, evil, extortion, genius, hypnosis, police-detective, secret-society
Attributes
High Artistic Quality, High Historical Importance