Der MÜDE TOD (1921)

Lang’s eerie masterpiece, full of haunting imagery and inspired by German Romanticism, is the poignant tale of a young woman (Dagover) whose bridegroom is snatched from her by Death (Goetzke, in one of the most chilling of all screen portrayals of the Grim Reaper). Pleading for her lover’s return, the desperate widow accepts Death’s challenge, embarking on a series of spectacular adventures. With production design by Robert Herlth, Walter Röhrig and Hermann Warm (variously responsible for Caligari and Faust), Destiny is justly renowned for its atmospheric settings and magical special effects. In this new restoration, complete with original tints and tones, Lang’s first great film holds us spellbound.