M

If there is a first or “pronto” film noir, this is it — 1931 German Expressionist thriller directed by Fritz Lang. The screen role established Peter Lorre. Shortly after M, the rise of Nazis forced both artists to flee Europe for Hollywood. Some of the most talented writers and directors of German cinema were in that migration. It will be an important part of the foundation for what we today call film noir.

Fritz Lang would go on to direct some of the greatest American noirs. Lorre became a familiar presence, playing noir versions of his unique persona into old age. Yet, their Hollywood paths as actor and director would never cross again. M is the reason. Fritz Lang was notorious for a demanding, autocratic style that could turn into abuse. During filming, Lorre chafed under Lang’s control, which reached the breaking point in a scene where the actor is violently thrown down a flight of cellar stairs. It required over a dozen takes to satisfy Lang. We don’t know how many chiropractic visits it took to satisfy Lorre. Years later, when the director offered the star a coveted role in the 1954 film Human Desire, Lorre refused.

M is the first “police procedure” film, a popular noir narrative device. This version combines bureaucratic efficiency with brilliant creepiness like only the Germans can do.

In German with English subtitles. Required viewing.