The film [programme note by Kristin Thompson] Der Golem is a classic film – doubly so. First, it has long nestled comfortably within the list of titles that make up the German Expressionist movement of the 1920s. Teachers of survey history courses are more likely to show Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari, but a serious enthusiast will make a point of seeing Der Golem as well. From the start, reviewers recognized Der Golem as Expressionist. In 1921 the New York Times’ critic wrote, “Resembl...

The legend of the golem is a famous story of Czech-Jewish culture. Although there aren’t many Jews left in Prague today, it was once a very large community. One of the leaders in that community during the 16th century was a man by the name of Rabbi Loew (pronounced “Lev”). According to the legend, he created the Golem (which derives from a Hebrew word literally meaning “raw materials”) out of the four elements (earth, wind, fire, water) to protect the Jews from Anti-Semitic ...