Berlin: Symphony of a Great City (1927)
"Berlin: Die Sinfonie der Grosstadt" (original title)

This movie shows us one day in Berlin, the rhythm of that time, starting at the earliest morning and ends in the deepest night.

Director:

Walter Ruttmann

Writers:

Karl Freund (screenplay), Carl Mayer (idea),

Stars:

Paul von Hindenburg

Cast

Uncredited cast:
Paul von Hindenburg	...	Himself (uncredited)

Storyline

A train speeds through the country on its way to Berlin, then gradually slows down as it pulls into the station. It is very early in the morning, about 5:00 AM, and the great city is mostly quiet. But before long there are some signs of activity, and a few early risers are to be seen on the streets. Soon the new day is well underway - it's just a typical day in Berlin, but a day full of life and energy.

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Plot Keywords:

train | street | night life | cleaning | public transport | 

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Genres:

Documentary

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Details

Country:

Germany

Release Date:

13 May 1928 (USA)

Also Known As:

Berlin: Symphony of a Metropolis

Filming Locations:

Berlin, Germany

Company Credits

Production Co:

Deutsche Vereins-Film, Les Productions Fox Europa

Technical Specs

Runtime:

65 min 74 min (restored)

Sound Mix:

Silent

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

After the movie, Arte TV showed 3 short trick films previously made by Ruttmann, whose motives had been used as transitions in the movie (air date: 1 Dec 2007).

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Connections

Featured in Cinema Europe: The Other Hollywood: The Unchained Camera (1995)

User Reviews

the idea and the visualization

It's like Koyaanisqatsi of 20s! It's miraculous! Awesome! It's all about the idea of a great city moving forward up-tempo but still having quite common problems of Germany's twenties – poverty and exacerbation, nevertheless Berlin being one of the most fashionable cities of Europe of that particular time. But it's not the movie's main account. Its atmosphere was created by excellent cameraman work. The frame when a train moves right into you and then suddenly turns away is quite impressive. Never seen that advanced cameraman till Citizen Kane. I'd also definitely recommend watching Ruttmann's 'Lichtspiel Opus I ', an avant-garde animated movie created in 1921.