Nosferatu (1922)

Vampire Count Orlok expresses interest in a new residence and real estate agent Hutter's wife.

Director:

F.W. Murnau

Writers:

Henrik Galeen (screen play), Bram Stoker (based on the novel: "Dracula")

Stars:

Max Schreck, Alexander Granach, Gustav von Wangenheim

1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview:
Max Schreck	...	Graf Orlok
Gustav von Wangenheim	...	Hutter (as Gustav v. Wangenheim)
Greta Schröder	...	Ellen - seine Frau (as Greta Schroeder)
Georg H. Schnell	...	Harding - ein Reeder (as G.H. Schnell)
Ruth Landshoff	...	Ruth - seine Schwester
Gustav Botz	...	Professor Sievers - der Stadtarzt
Alexander Granach	...	Knock - ein Häusermakler
John Gottowt	...	Professor Bulwer - ein Paracelsianer
Max Nemetz	...	Ein Kapitän
Wolfgang Heinz	...	1. Matrose
Albert Venohr	...	2. Matrose
Eric van Viele	...	Matrose 2

Storyline

Wisbourg, Germany based estate agent Knock dispatches his associate, Hutter, to Count Orlok's castle in Transylvania as the Count wants to purchase an isolated house in Wisbourg. They plan on selling him the one across the way from Hutter's own home. Hutter leaves his innocent wife, Ellen, with some friends while he is away. Hutter's trek is an unusual one, with many locals not wanting to take him near the castle where strange events have been occurring. Once at the castle, Hutter does manage to sell the Count the house, but he also notices and feels unusual occurrences, primarily feeling like there is a dark shadow hanging over him, even in the daytime when the Count is unusually asleep. Hutter eventually sees the Count's sleeping chamber in a crypt, and based on a book he has recently read, believes the Count is really a vampire or Nosferatu. While Hutter is trapped in the castle, the Count, hiding in a shipment of coffins, makes his way to Wisbourg, causing death along his way, ...

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Plot Keywords:

vampire | self sacrifice | bite mark | dracula | gothic | 

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Taglines:

A thrilling mystery masterpiece - a chilling psycho-drama of blood-lust.

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Genres:

Fantasy | Horror

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Official Sites:

Official Site

Country:

Germany

Language:

German

Release Date:

3 June 1929 (USA)

Also Known As:

Nosferatu

Filming Locations:

Orava Castle, Oravsky Podzámok, Slovakia

Company Credits

Production Co:

Jofa-Atelier Berlin-Johannisthal, Prana-Film GmbH

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min 65 min (video) 92 min (DVD) 84 min 88 min (1997 restored) 84 min (DVD)

Sound Mix:

Silent

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The movie was banned in Sweden due to excessive horror. The ban was finally lifted in 1972.

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Goofs

After Ellen finishes reading Hutter's letter on the beach, she crumples the paper in her hands. In the next shot the letter is whole again.

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Quotes

Knock, ein häusermakler: The Master is near... The Master is near...

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Alternate Versions

In 1993 Jeff Forrester / USA Networks produced NEW copyrighted versions of mainstream silent films w/ EXCLUSIVE scores & NEW inter-titles. All but one were in black & white. There were 7 in total. They were aired on the SYFY (SCI-FI) Channel during the Christmas holiday in 1993 as part of SCI-FI Channel's Silent Cinema Marathon. It was hosted by renowned film critic Jeffrey Lyons & was taped @ the AMERICAN MUSEUM OF THE MOVING IMAGE in Astoria, NY. These particular versions have NEVER been available in ANY home video format. Their whereabouts are currently unknown. They were distributed by JORDEXX TELEVISION, INC.

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Connections

Featured in Shadow of the Vampire (2000)

User Reviews

"Is that your wife? What a lovely throat!"

As I'm sure it is the case for many cinema fans, my respect and admiration towards this production widely excels the enjoyment I had while watching it. "Nosferatu" is a milestone from every possible viewpoint and it's one of those very few movies I think everybody should view at least once (although it actually requires repeated viewings…) It is the very first version of Bram Stoker's legendary vampire tale and easily the most copied film in the history of cinema. I'm sure everyone is familiar with the story of young estate agent Jonathan Harker traveling to Transylvania where he acquaintances the eccentric count who feeds on blood and controls the ones he has bitten, but THIS is the original version. Shot by F.W. Murnau (who also made the equally essential titles "Faust" and "Der Januskopf") and made unforgettable by Max Schreck in his performance as the Count. And, even though this film is over 80 years old, Schreck's image is still as nightmarish as it can be. No visual or make-up effect could ever surpass the simple appearance of Max Schreck! The fact that this film is still very powerful therefore almost entirely depends on his unworldly character. "Nosferatu" is beautiful poetry, difficult to watch at times, but very rewarding. The sexual undertones as well as the shock-aspects have surely dated by now, but they're still present, and – as I mentioned before – they only increase my respect for Murnau and his crew. A definite must see, just make sure you're in the right mood.