The Arc 1919
In 1919, Richard Oswald's silent sci-fi adventure *The Arc (1919)* plunges viewers into a high-stakes underwater journey aboard the massive submarine *Gloria*, helmed by engineer Walter Fahr.
Director: Richard Oswald
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Arc (1919) about?
*The Arc* follows engineer Walter Fahr and his crew aboard the *Gloria*, a cutting-edge submarine, as they embark on a test journey that takes a catastrophic turn when Earth is scorched by a comet's tail. Upon their return, they discover a lifeless world, with the blind astronomer Professor Keigo Sotuma uncovering the grim truth behind their ordeal.
Who directed The Arc?
The Arc was directed by the prolific German filmmaker Richard Oswald, known for his innovative approach to genre films and early sci-fi.
Who stars in The Arc?
The film features a talented ensemble cast including Leo Connard as Walter Fahr, Eva Speyer, Georg H. Schnell, Oevid Molander, and Eugen Klöpfer.
Is The Arc (1919) worth watching?
While it's a silent-era curiosity, *The Arc* offers a unique blend of early sci-fi and disaster themes, making it a fascinating watch for fans of vintage cinema. Its atmospheric tension and pioneering submarine setting give it a niche appeal, though its unrated status may limit mainstream interest.
How long is The Arc?
The Arc has a runtime of 70 minutes.
About The Arc (1919) — Silent Sci-Fi Classic Where a Submarine Journey Ends in Cosmic Horror
In 1919, Richard Oswald's silent sci-fi adventure *The Arc (1919)* plunges viewers into a high-stakes underwater journey aboard the massive submarine *Gloria*, helmed by engineer Walter Fahr. The vessel, filled with scientists, dignitaries, and even animals, sets sail for a test run—but disaster strikes when the Earth's surface is scorched by a comet's tail during their voyage. The survivors, including the blind astronomer Professor Keigo Sotuma, return to a world ravaged by catastrophe, forcing them to confront the fragility of life and humanity's place in the cosmos.
Oswald crafts a moody, atmospheric tale where isolation and awe collide, blending early sci-fi with a haunting sense of existential dread. With its pioneering submarine setting and cosmic disaster theme, *The Arc* isn't just a relic of silent cinema—it's a compelling precursor to modern disaster narratives, where human ingenuity meets nature's relentless power.