Silent Film Halloween Program at The Rosendale Theatre with Paul Leni's "Waxworks"

Although not as well known as other German Expressionist films, Waxworks has an important place in film history. It is widely considered one of the earliest anthology horror films, influencing later film classics such as Dead of Night (1945) andTales From the Crypt (1972).
A young nameless poet is hired by a wax museum proprietor to invent dramatic backstories for his figures to attract customers. With the proprietor's daughter, Eva by his side, The Poet writes three separate tales, imagining him and Eva inside each story; told with striking, theatrical German Expressionist set designs, lighting, and imaginative use of fantasy and dark humor. The first is a whimsical, comedic fantasy about Caliph Harun al-Rashid in Baghdad (Emil Jannings). Followed by a dark, oppressive portrait of Ivan the Terrible's paranoia and cruelty (Conrad Veidt).
The last is the most terrifying tale. After a short nap, the couple awake to the wax model of Jack the Ripper (Werner Krauss) which has come to life. Jack stalks both the poet and Eva, they run but find that they can't escape Jack as they run through the dark, twisted halls of the museum. As Jack’s knife slashes closer and closer, they hope this is a dream? Can they wake up? Or is this a horrible reality?