PANDORA’S BOX (1929)
(a.k.a. DIE BUCHSE DER PANDORA)
Article #921 by Dave Sindelar
Viewing date: 9-22-2003
Posting date: 2-19-2004
Directed by G.W. Pabst
Featuring Louise Brooks, Fritz Kortner, Francis Lederer

A free-living woman brings tragedy to all who become involved with her.

I’ve covered a couple of movies by G. W. Pabst already; this one is considered his masterpiece, though I think this may be even more the result of Louise Brooks’ unforgettable performance as Lulu, a woman who never really considers the consequences of her actions until disaster occurs and the price must be paid. It’s not a horror movie, but a drama in which horror elements only come in to play near the end when Jack the Ripper becomes part of the action. It’s full of surprising touches, unexpected plot twists, and strong performances. Francis Lederer is also on hand; he would later appear in THE RETURN OF DRACULA and TERROR IS A MAN.