Narr und Tod 1920
Narr und Tod (1920), a silent-era German drama-horror masterpiece directed by Rudolf Stiaßny, weaves a haunting tale of obsession and ancient curses. The film centers on sculptor Peter Starling, whose tragic suicide reveals a chilling connection to Egyptian relics.
Director: Rudolf Stiaßny
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Narr und Tod (1920) about?
This silent-era drama-horror follows sculptor Peter Starling, whose suicide reveals a dark connection to an Egyptian mummy and a prophetic papyrus scroll. The film explores his obsession with a curse that binds the mummy's immortality to his own fate.
Who directed Narr und Tod?
Rudolf Stiaßny directed this 1920 silent horror, bringing a moody, atmospheric touch to the film's gothic themes.
Who stars in Narr und Tod?
The film features Lisa Kresse, Carl Goetz, Dora Kaiser, Hans Lackner, and Paul Kronegg in key roles.
Is Narr und Tod (1920) worth watching?
While unrated on IMDb, Narr und Tod stands as a fascinating artifact of early horror, offering eerie silent-era storytelling and gothic visuals. Horror fans curious about silent films will appreciate its atmospheric tension, though its historical context may limit modern appeal.
How long is Narr und Tod?
Runtime details for Narr und Tod are not listed.
About Narr und Tod (1920) — Silent Horror's Haunting Tale of Ancient Curses
Narr und Tod (1920), a silent-era German drama-horror masterpiece directed by Rudolf Stiaßny, weaves a haunting tale of obsession and ancient curses. The film centers on sculptor Peter Starling, whose tragic suicide reveals a chilling connection to Egyptian relics. During an expedition, Starling discovers a mummy and a papyrus scroll inscribed with cuneiform warnings. As he donates the artifacts to a museum, he becomes fixated on the papyrus's prophecy—that the mummy, a once-powerful princess, will awaken and dictate her own twisted immortality. The story unfolds through a discovered diary, blending eerie atmosphere with psychological depth, as the museum director unravels the sculptor's descent into paranoia.
Set against the backdrop of post-war Europe, Narr und Tod merges gothic horror with art-house drama, its silent-era grandeur amplified by stark visuals and a creeping sense of dread. Stiaßny's direction leans into the uncanny, transforming a museum into a stage for supernatural dread, while the cast—led by Lisa Kresse and Carl Goetz—delivers performances steeped in silent-era intensity. The film's themes of fate, hubris, and the inescapable past resonate through its minimalist storytelling, offering a rare glimpse into early horror's ability to unsettle without modern excess.