Journey into the Night (1921)

Watching Silent Films

Post WW1, F.W. Murnau directs this German-Danish co-production, showcasing some of his best intentions toward future films.

Der Gang in die Nacht (Journey into the Night) is derived from a screenplay by the Danish scenarist Harriet Bloch. It’s an example of the “nobility film,” a genre cultivated by the Nordisk studio where Bloch worked. In these stories, an upper-class man becomes obsessed with a working-class woman, and she leads him to disaster. In Murnau’s film, the well-to-do protagonist is Dr. Eigil Börne. Uneasy with his courtship of his wispy fiancée Helene, he plunges into an affair with the dancer Lily. They move to a seaside cottage, where their idyll is interrupted by the spectral figure of a blind artist (Conrad Veidt). After Dr. Börne restores the Painter’s sight, Lily falls in love with him and leaves Börne. Unhappiness ensues for all, and yes, suicide is involved.

Be sure to join KANOPY if you currently have not. Check your local and surrounding libraries for access and entertainment. KANOPY is available throughout the United States.

For a "live" accompaniment experience in the current age of the Covid-19 pandemic, Ben Model's Silent Comedy Watch Party on YouTube is a great way to enjoy film and live entertainment. https://www.youtube.com/user/silentfilmmusic

One of Adam's film picks this week included Lon Chaney and Joan Crawford in 1927's The Unknown.

A great article on Murnau before Nosferatu:

http://www.davidbordwell.net/blog/2016/11/06/murnau-before-nosferatu/?fbclid=IwAR00jtMv4kcCR-AMnDKFQ7_3cCvqqvDkkvGOHQXXjbPn53NEenltRqw-Rl0

Hosted by YiFeng and Adam.

Recorded on October 22, 2020