The Testament of Dr. Mabuse

About The Testament of Dr. Mabuse

The Testament of Dr. Mabuse is a 1933 German crime thriller film directed by Fritz Lang. The film continues the story of Dr. Mabuse, a criminal mastermind, and his attempts to spread anarchy and chaos through his criminal activities. The plot revolves around Dr. Mabuse, who, now in an insane asylum, continues his plans through a hypnotized medium. Inspector Lohmann tries to stop Mabuse's plans, resulting in a thrilling conclusion.

Making / Production

The film was produced during the early years of the Nazi era. It was banned by the Nazi regime, but Lang managed to sneak it out of Germany. The film was shot in various locations across Germany, including Berlin and Babelsberg Studios. It reflects the deteriorating social conditions of the time and is often seen as a critique of the fascist regime.

Actors

• Rudolf Klein-Rogge as Dr. Mabuse, the diabolical mastermind. Klein-Rogge's performance is chilling and convincing, making Mabuse a truly terrifying character.
• Otto Wernicke as Inspector Lohmann, the diligent detective. Wernicke delivers a determined and sincere performance.
• Oscar Beregi Sr. as Prof. Baum, the sanitarium director who gets hypnotized by Mabuse. Beregi brilliantly portrays the descent into madness.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film went through several edits and was eventually banned by the Nazi regime for "endangering public order and security."
• Despite its initial banishment, the film achieved great success after World War II and is now considered a seminal work in the genre of crime thrillers.
• The Testament of Dr. Mabuse is the second of Fritz Lang's trilogy centered around the character of Dr. Mabuse. The first being Dr. Mabuse the Gambler (1922) and the last The Thousand Eyes of Dr. Mabuse (1960).

Quotes

• "Behind bars or - in freedom - mankind must succumb to me, and become as I am: A hell of ghosts, phantoms both seen and unseen."
• "Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead."

Music, Soundtrack

• Despite being made in the early sound era, the film extensively uses music and sound to enhance the sense of dread and suspense.
• The haunting music was composed by Hans Erdmann, enhancing the eerie atmosphere.