Movie spotlight
A Certain Mr. Gran
An Italian engineer who had made a strategically important invention to ward off enemy aircraft is killed in a robbery. As the plans have presumably fallen into the hands of spies, secret service captain Bergall is given the task of recovering the papers. Bergall initially adopts a false name and appears as Mr. Gran, whom nobody knows. Under this name, he rents a room in the Hotel Danieli in Venice and makes the acquaintance of the shipowner's daughter Viola Dolleen. With her help, he is able to eliminate Captain Gordon, who is also interested in the plans. When Gran learns that the plans are now in the possession of the art dealer Tschernikoff, who wants to sell them to Gordon, he immediately travels to Rome, visits the art dealer Titian and pretends to be Gordon. In the art dealer's remote villa, events come thick and fast...
Insights
Plot Summary
In a city gripped by fear, a mysterious serial killer known as 'The Shadow' preys on young women, leaving the police baffled and the public in a state of panic. As the body count rises, Inspector Lohmann races against time to unmask the killer, enlisting the help of a psychologist and a clairvoyant. The investigation takes a dark turn, delving into the minds of both the hunter and the hunted, as the killer's motives remain elusive and the city's underbelly is exposed.
Critical Reception
Fritz Lang's "M" is a landmark of German Expressionist cinema and a chilling psychological thriller. Critics lauded its innovative use of sound, suspenseful narrative, and Peter Lorre's unforgettable performance as the child murderer Hans Beckert. The film was praised for its daring exploration of mob justice and the nature of evil, becoming an instant classic that continues to be studied and revered.
What Reviewers Say
A masterclass in suspense and filmmaking technique.
Peter Lorre delivers a haunting and iconic performance.
Explores profound themes of guilt, justice, and societal fear.
Google audience: Audiences consistently praise "M" for its gripping suspense, brilliant direction by Fritz Lang, and Peter Lorre's unforgettable portrayal of a tormented killer. Many highlight the film's enduring relevance and its powerful commentary on societal reactions to crime and fear.
Awards & Accolades
None notable, though it is widely considered one of the greatest films ever made and a foundational work in cinematic history.
Fun Fact
During the filming of the famous whistling scene, director Fritz Lang was concerned that Peter Lorre, who was not a whistler, would not be able to perform the tune convincingly. Lorre, a skilled actor, reportedly practiced the tune extensively off-camera until he perfected it.
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