Wahnsinn 1919
In Conrad Veidt's chilling silent-era horror-drama *Wahnsinn (1919)*, a banker's life spirals into madness after a Gypsy fortune teller warns him of a trunk that could lead to either ecstatic salvation or ruin.
Director: Conrad Veidt
Cast




Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wahnsinn (1919) about?
*Wahnsinn* follows a banker whose life takes a terrifying turn after a Gypsy fortune teller predicts his destiny hinges on a mysterious trunk. As he becomes consumed by paranoia, his search for the chest drives him toward madness, leaving audiences to question what's real and what's imagined.
Who directed Wahnsinn?
The film was directed by Conrad Veidt, a legendary German actor and director whose striking presence defined many silent-era classics.
Who stars in Wahnsinn?
The cast includes Conrad Veidt in the lead role, joined by Reinhold Schünzel, Grit Hegesa, and Gussy Holl, each bringing depth to this psychological horror-drama.
Is Wahnsinn (1919) worth watching?
While *Wahnsinn* is a lost film, its historical significance as an early German Expressionist horror-drama makes it a fascinating watch for silent cinema enthusiasts. Without a rating or modern reviews, its value lies more in its cultural impact than entertainment alone.
How long is Wahnsinn?
The film runs for approximately 70 minutes.
About Wahnsinn (1919) — A Lost Silent Horror-Drama by Conrad Veidt
In Conrad Veidt's chilling silent-era horror-drama *Wahnsinn (1919)*, a banker's life spirals into madness after a Gypsy fortune teller warns him of a trunk that could lead to either ecstatic salvation or ruin. As the protagonist becomes increasingly unhinged, his desperate pursuit of the mysterious chest blurs the line between reality and delusion, painting a haunting portrait of obsession and fate. The film's eerie atmosphere is amplified by Veidt's intense performance and Reinhold Schünzel's supporting role, while Grit Hegesa and Gussy Holl add layers of intrigue to this lost classic.
Stylistically, *Wahnsinn* blends psychological drama with gothic horror, capturing the anxieties of post-World War I Germany through its moody visuals and relentless tension. Though the film is considered lost today, its reputation as an early masterpiece of German Expressionism lingers, leaving audiences to wonder about the secrets hidden within that fateful trunk. Fans of silent cinema and avant-garde storytelling will find *Wahnsinn (1919)* a fascinating, if frustratingly elusive, glimpse into a bygone era of filmmaking.