Der Schatz

Georg Wilhelm Pabst was a giant in early German cinema. His first movie as a head director was February 1923's "The Treasure." The debut movie of his contains elements of Expressionism, but it also shows touches of realism and naturalism that Pabst was famous for in his later works, such as 1929's 'Pandora's Box.'

G. W. Pabst, the abbreviated form of his name he was forever known by, was almost fated to be strictly a stage performer and director before German director/producer Carl Froelich spotted the Austrian's work during one of his plays. Froelich felt Pabst could easily make the transition to cinema and offered the 35-year-old a job in the early 1920's as his assistant director. It wasn't too long before Pabst earned his first opportunity as a head director, helming "The Treasure." He also expanded his talents towards writing by assisting with the screenplay.

The theme of gold being a curse on normal people's lives is tested by a discovery of a trove of treasure in a bell maker and his wife's home. Before the riches were found, the couple were living somewhat contentedly in an old house with their pretty daughter along with a journeyman, who was in love with her. A young, handsome goldsmith arrives to work on one of the bell-maker's clocks he had just cast. Naturally, he falls in love with the daughter as well as discovers the gold rumored to be hidden in the house. Greed and avarice kick in as the three dwellers in the household attempt to cut the goldsmith out of the spoils.

Froelich, whose studio produced "The Treasure," was very pleased with the movie, which served as a springboard for Pabst's future career as a full-time head film director.