The Golem: How He Came into the World

The Golem How He Came into the World original German title Der Golem, wie er in die Welt kam is a 1920 silent horror film codirected by and starring Paul Wegener. The picture was directed by Carl Boese and Wegener, written by Wegener and Henrik Galeen, and stars Wegener as the golem. The script was adapted from the 1915 novel The Golem by Gustav Meyrink. The film was the third of three films that Wegener made featuring the golem, the other two being The Golem 1915 and the short comedy The Golem and the Dancing Girl 1917, in which Wegener dons the Golem makeup in order to frighten a young lady he is infatuated with.citation needed It is a prequel to The Golem and is the best known of the series, largely because it is the only one of the three films that has not been lost.citation needed One of the early horror films, the film was sensational upon its release and has left a lasting legacy within the movie industry, alongside another early German expressionist horror film, The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari, also released in 1920.citation needed

Upon arriving at the ghetto, the arrogant Florian falls in love with Miriam, Loews daughter for whom his assistant shares affection. Loew talks Florian into reminding the Emperor that it is he who predicts disasters and tells the horoscopes of the Emperor, and requests an audience with him. Having courted with Miriam, Florian leaves. Loew begins to create a huge monster out of clay by praying with God first, the Golem, which he will bring to life to defend his people. Florian returns later with a request from the Emperor for Loew to attend the Rose Festival at the palace. He shares a romantic moment with Miriam while Loew reveals to his assistant that he has secretly created the Golem, and requires his assistance to animate it. In an elaborate magical procedure, Loew and the assistant summon the spirit Astaroth and compel him, as per the ancient texts, to say the magic word to bring life. This word is written on paper by Loew which is then enclosed in an amulet and inserted onto the Golems chest. The Golem awakes. Loews assistant then tames the Golem, and the Rabbi uses it as a household servant.When Loew is summoned to the palace for the festival, he brings the Golem with him to impress the audience. Florian meanwhile slips away from the court to meet Miriam, whose house is being guarded by Loews assistant under Loews instruction. Back at the palace the court is both terrified and intrigued by the arrival of the Golem. Impressed, the Emperor asks to see more supernatural feats by Loew. Loew projects a magical screen showing the history of the Jews, instructing his audience not to make a noise. Upon the arrival of Ahasuerus, the Wandering Jew, the court begins to laugh and the palace suddenly crumbles. As the building collapses around them, the Golem intervenes and props up the falling ceiling, saving the court. As a sign of gratitude the Emperor pardons the Jews and allows them to stay in the city. ........

Source: Wikipedia