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Berlin: Symphony of a Great City (1927)

Berlin: Die Sinfonie der Grosstadt (original title)
Not Rated | | Documentary | 13 May 1928 (USA)
Berlin: Symphony of a Great City Poster
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:

Karl Freund (screenplay), Carl Mayer (idea) | 1 more credit »

Star:

Paul von Hindenburg
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Cast

Uncredited cast:
Paul von Hindenburg Paul von Hindenburg ... Himself (uncredited)
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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. Written by Snow Leopard

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

city | street | train | daily life | railroad | See All (41) »

Genres:

Documentary

Certificate:

Not Rated | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

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Details

Country:

Germany

Release Date:

13 May 1928 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Berlin: Symphony of a Great City See more »

Filming Locations:

Berlin, Germany

Company Credits

Production Co:

Deutsche Vereins-Film,Les Productions Fox Europa See more »
Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

| (restored)

Sound Mix:

Silent

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

After showing the movie, Arte TV showed three short trick films previously made by director Walter Ruttmann, whose motives had been used as transitions in the movie (air date: 1 Dec 2007). See more »

Connections

References Venus im Frack (1927) See more »

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User Reviews

 
the idea and the visualization
15 December 2004 | by whiteass1953 – See all my reviews

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.
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