Das Wandernde Bild (1920)
Directed by Fritz Lang

Film Review

Das Wandernde Bild marked the beginning of the fruitful collaboration of director Fritz Lang with writer Thea von Harbou.  They married in 1922 and the couple would become the creative force behind some of the greatest German films of the pre-WWII era, works such as Dr. Mabuse, der Spieler (1922), Metropolis (1927) and M (1931).  

Until quite recently, Das Wandernde Bild was thought to have been lost, the fate suffered by the majority of films made in the silent era.  Fortunately, an incomplete print surfaced in Brazil and the film was partially restored in the late 1980s.  Around a third of the film is missing, along with the script and inter-titles.  Despite this, the restored film is surprisingly coherent and the lacuna are hardly noticed. 

Das Wandernde Bild may not be Lang at his best (its main weaknesses being its slightly ludicrous plot and some embarrassing Perils of Pauline moments), but it amply demonstrates the director's mastery of technique and flair for expression through the silent image.   The film is most memorable for its beautifully realised location sequences, which appear to show the influence of Lang's contemporaries, notably D.W. Griffith.

Film Synopsis

When Georg Vanderheit dies he leaves his entire estate to his wife Irmgard, much to the chagrin of his brother John, who believed he would be the main beneficiary.  Realising there is only one way he can get his hands on his brother's fortune, John makes clear his intention to take Irmgard as his wife.  The widow has no intention of giving in to her rapacious brother-in-law, so she takes flight and embarks on a perilous journey into the mountains.  In her desperate escape, she makes the acquaintance of a kind hooded hermit, who offers her refuge in his humble home.  John is not so easily defeated, however.  He hurries after Irmgard and when she attempts to drive him away he tries to kill her by causing an avalanche.  The widow finds herself trapped with the hermit in his shelter.   To Irmgard's surprise, when the hermit removes his hood he is revealed to be her husband, Georg...