The Silent Age of Horror Cinema

Let's take a look at influential and important horror movies from the earliest decades of cinema, as well as a personal favorite of mine from the 30's.

Le Manoir du Diable(1896)

Let's go back way, way into the past for the entire genre, paying my respects to a foundation which has lasted more than a century now in this medium. Generally considered to be technically the very first horror movie in cinema history, although the tone was intended to amuse and wonder viewers. 

Also known as The Haunted Castle, Le Manoir du Diable has horror themes playing, including the transformation of a bat and the Devil being present. Commons folks are getting overpowered by the Devil and his henchmen in here, and that's all happening in 3 minutes and roughly 18 seconds.

 The Cabinet of Dr.Caligari(1919)

Considered to be pretty much the first pure horror movie, The Cabinet of Dr.Caligari has unique backgrounds, unusual colors, an involving storyline and haunting music. I am still not much of a fan of silent movies with sudden text scenes inbetween though.

The story actually is more deep than a doctor showing his monster, because the development is bigger than that and it also has a twist ending, for an old movie that's pretty cool. Should you be interested as to where horror cinema started then this should be a great start for you. 

It directly and indirectly has influenced and inspired countless of horror movies. It's also part of the so called German Expressionism. 

Destiny(1921)

Influenced Alfred Hitchcock and Luis Bunuel respectively, Fritz Lang's Destiny is about a woman losing her fiance, and encounters the personification of Death, who tells her that in order to find her lover, she will be given 3 chances to save him.

 In consequence, 3 different tales are being told, one in Persia, one in Italy and one in China. If she can save an important life in any of the tales, her beloved will return. Candles and the grim reaper are symbols representing life and death.

It has been said that this film is rich with special effects, but I was more involved with the film style and the beautiful written text for this silent story, as well as the implemented music. For a more rich film about special effects, I would have to suggest Häxan(1922) instead. Destiny is more story oriented, but remains a visual art picture nonetheless.

Nosferatu(1922)

The haunting music and the lightning effects were probably the best thing that this old movie offers. Nosferatu is a very early and very popular vampire movie, for providing groundbreaking horror effects back in the day. The count himself still looks frightening today.

It's one of the best earliest known horror available. Like many old movies from the 10's, 20's and 30's, I respect them first and foremost, but most of them simply do not get higher ratings than 6 or 7's from me, simply because they are less effective for my generation.

A 7 in my mind is always worthwhile to watch at least once in a lifetime, while 6's are most of the time the same, except on a much lower level. Definitely do not miss out on Nosferatu if you want to have seen it all regarding the most famous horror movies!

 The Phantom of the Opera(1925)

The classic horror romance tale about ugliness and beauty, The Phantom of the Opera's first film adaptation is iconic for featuring masterful special effects for the Phantom's face, but also of the grand chandelier falling into the opera. 

Christine is targeted by the Phantom to become his love and wife, and while attempting so, creates victims and difficult choices for her to pursue. As a tragic character, Erik the mad composer is an interesting misguided villain or monster to read into.

 Faust(1926)

Classic tale about an alchemist who makes a pact with Mephisto in order to get earthly pleasants such as youth, wealth and temptation. Faust eventually struggles and is corrupted by Mephisto's pact and on top of that is shown his true colors to the villagers and his loved ones. In the end Faust sacrifices himself in the name of love, and thus Mephisto loses his bet in the end.

 The Invisible Man(1933)

You were expecting Dracula, Frankenstein or The Mummy, weren't you? You might find them elsewhere this month...!

A chemist discovers the recipe for turning completely invisible, but because of a certain drug being used in the process, becomes homicidal insane and acknowledges the power his new state has given him.

After causing ruckus at an inn, he contacts his old friend and demands him to partner up, but that doesn't work out and soon everyone is becoming afraid and they are looking for the invisible man.

The special effects felt outstanding to me anno 1933, the dialogue was marvelous and the joy of experimenting with the invisibility theme felt good! Certainly a unique and effective horror movie from the 30's!