The Hands Of Orlac (1924)

Description

Known in its original form as “Orlacs Hande” this is a creepy movie – one of the real classics of German Expressionism. This version of early movie horror comes with English captions for those not good at reading German! A well made German silent version of Maurice Renard’s novel “Les Mains d’Orlac”. Like his more famous “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari”, Robert Wiene’s “The Hands of Orlac” is indelible. Consistently suspenseful due to its heavy dark atmosphere and portrayal of mental torment. The fear of one’s own body is a dynamite theme. The most enduring quality is Conrad Veidt’s performance as Orlac – a world famous pianist. One day he is badly hurt in a train wreck and he is in danger of losing both his hands so his wife begs the doctors to save them. Eventually, they manage to transplant his hands with those of another deceased body. After his recovery, Orlac discovers there is something seriously wrong with his new pair of hands – it is as if they have a will of their own. But, Orlac doesn’t know that they actually belonged to a dangerous murderer. The same tale would later be the basis for 1935’s “Mad Love” and 1960’s “The Hands Of Orlace” (starring Mel Ferrer, Christopher Lee and Donald Pleasence), as well as the uncredited basis for 1962’s “Hands Of A Stranger”.