Berlin: Symphony of a Great City (1927)

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 (as Walther Ruttmann)

Writers:

Carl Mayer (idea), Walter Ruttmann (screenplay) (as Walther Ruttmann)

Star:

Paul von Hindenburg

Cast

Uncredited cast:
Paul von Hindenburg	...	Self (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:

city life | city | street | train | daily life | 

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Genres:

Documentary

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

The shooting was done over 18 months though the resulting feature gives the impression of just one day in the city.

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Connections

Featured in From Caligari to Hitler: German Cinema in the Age of the Masses (2014)

User Reviews

A Priceless Time Capsule of Germany's Weimar Period

This is a very straightforward and pleasant silent picture that delivers exactly what it promises. Namely: footage of Berlin, its residents, and the whole spectrum of city activities during an ordinary day in 1927. If you have any interest in seeing real life in Weimar Germany, this film is an excellent rental. It opens with an Eisensteinian-style montage sequence, as a train approaches the city. Upon its arrival in Berlin's Union Station, the city is remarkably desolate. As the film progresses, the city begins to wake up, and you are shown residents at work (mostly in factories) and leisure. You will see shopkeepers, businessmen, restauranteurs, policemen, soldiers, politicians; children at play and even some vagrants. The acts become gradually more harsh as the film progresses, with mildly unpleasant imagery beginning to creep in (e.g. shots of dogs fighting, footage of beggars, litter, an arrest, etc.), only to gracefully recede as the film reaches its closing. The final act shows Berlin's night life, which is as lavish and swinging as anything in our own "Roaring 20's." This is an impeccable time capsule and it has something to offer both film and history buffs. Berlin was truly a world city at this time, and it was extremely interesting to see everything in the Weimar's Golden period, before Hitler and the destruction that followed. Technically speaking, it is a very well made and restored film; the footage is crisp and the music was never overwhelming. This is a really easy film to appreciate and it is definitely worthwhile, particularly for history buffs. Highly recommended. ---|--- Reviews by Flak Magnet

Details

Country:

Germany

Language:

None

Release Date:

13 May 1928 (USA)

Also Known As:

Berlin: Symphony of a Metropolis

Filming Locations:

Germany

Company Credits

Production Co:

Les Productions Fox Europa, Deutsche Vereins-Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

65 min 74 min (restored)

Sound Mix:

Silent

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1