WAXWORKS (1924, original title Das Wachsfigurenkabinett) is another slice of German Expressionism, directed by Paul Leni, who made THE MAN WHO LAUGHS. It has a cast of horror superstars including Werner Krauss (THE CABINET OF DR CALIGARI), Emil Jannings (FAUST) and Conrad Veidt (THE HANDS OF ORLAC), and it's an anthology set in a spooky old wax museum to boot. Despite all these attributes, I found it a lesser experience than most silent horrors from this period.
For starters, this one leans towards fantasy rather than horror. The wraparound is about a writer who views the exhibits and imagines himself in them. The first story is of ancient Arabia, and an evil sultan pursuing pretty young girls. Fairly light and comedic, it goes on for half the running time. The second is better, with Veidt playing Ivan the Terrible, given over to torture and cruelty until fate steps in. This one's a bit better. The last and most explicitly horrific is about Jack the Ripper hunting down a new victim, but criminally this only lasts a few minutes, so only serves to whet the appetite. I hear a fourth story was planned but cancelled, so I think monetary constraints were at play here. A shame, as the visuals of this period are typically superior.
For starters, this one leans towards fantasy rather than horror. The wraparound is about a writer who views the exhibits and imagines himself in them. The first story is of ancient Arabia, and an evil sultan pursuing pretty young girls. Fairly light and comedic, it goes on for half the running time. The second is better, with Veidt playing Ivan the Terrible, given over to torture and cruelty until fate steps in. This one's a bit better. The last and most explicitly horrific is about Jack the Ripper hunting down a new victim, but criminally this only lasts a few minutes, so only serves to whet the appetite. I hear a fourth story was planned but cancelled, so I think monetary constraints were at play here. A shame, as the visuals of this period are typically superior.