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As one may imagine, I love horror through-and-through. Like most horror fans, I'm not tied down to a single sub genre or time-frame, which makes finding interesting movies both easier and, well, more interesting.
Silent horror films are something that I don't see discussed much on the forums I've been on in the past, and wanted to see who else here might be a fan. I was just going to go over a few of my favorite silent horror films, and see if anyone bites.
Der Student von Prag (1913) - One of the first full-length horror films, this German movie about a man and his doppelganger isn't perfect. The story is decently interesting, and the performances good, but really, this movie should be seen for what it represents more so than the content.
Pikovaya dama (1916) - This is a Russian film prior to the formation of the USSR, which is interesting enough. The story, to me, drags a bit toward the middle of the movie, but it stands out when thinking of the silent horror films I've seen.
Unheimliche Geschichten (1919) - To my knowledge, this is the oldest-existing anthology horror film. While it contains some decent stories, many of the others fall flat (though does a better job at the horror aspect than 1924's Das Wachsfigurenkabinett). Still, a decently solid early German film.
Der Golem, wie er in die Welt kam (1920) - This movie, if you find the right print, it utterly beautiful. The set pieces are fantastic, and the story (oppressed Jews create a Golem that goes on a rampage) is top-notch. Though it suffers from both over-acting and potential anti-Semitism, this is one I recommend to those who haven't seen it.
Schloß Vogelöd (1921) - Though counted more often as mystery than horror, this movie is a fun romp, not too-far removed from The Cat and the Canary (1927) or The Bat Whispers (1930). Plus, the setting of the castle, while cheap at times, does strike me as pretty cool.
Häxan (1922) - This movie is more well-known, and for good reason. Split into seven parts, Haxan is half-documentary, half-original story, about the history of witchcraft. It's a bit difficult to explain in full, but if you're a silent horror fan, and have not seen this one yet, I'd recommend looking into it.
Schatten - Eine nächtliche Halluzination (1923) - This one is more a point of interest than an actual good film. Unlike any other movie I've seen, this focuses primarily on shadows, with no text to back it up (or if originally there was some, it's gone from most prints). It has a very ominous feel to it, and while the story itself may not be amazing, the feel of the film is pretty top-notch.
Maciste all’inferno (1925) - One of the oldest Italian horror films I'm aware of, Maciste all'inferno is a fun story of the Devil attempting to corrupt a man's mortality. Though more based in fantasy, the depictions of Hell are pretty frantic and terrifying. Plus, the color and tints used make the movie more effective. A lesser-known gem.
Midnight Faces (1926) - Midnight Faces is quite similar to The Bat (from the same year) and the Cat and the Canary. While I recommend both those films also, Midnight Faces is a bit more muddled in obscurity, potentially because the film's so short (less than an hour). The story is not wholly original, and some portions are a bit too steeped in comedy, but I think it's a fine movie.
The Magician (1926) - I'll be honest, it's been a few years since I've seen this, but I noticed that I rated it highly on IMDb. From what I remember, it was a short but sweet romp, with a fun plot. Other than that, I've nothing to say.
Seven Footprints to Satan (1929) - The ending notwithstanding, this movie is a fantastic and wacky story worth seeing. A man is kidnapped before he can travel abroad, and taken to a house where strange and fantastic things happen. The ending was a bit of a let-down, but overall, this is a solid film.
The Last Warning (1929) - The last film directed by Paul Leni (also directed the aforementioned Das Wachsfigurenkabinett and The Man Who Laughs), this movie has the spirit of a slasher that came fifty years too early. In it, a producer tries to reopen a theater five years after a cast member of a play was killed. Getting together the original cast, they plan to stage a production of the same play, when people start getting killed. With the spirit of a slasher film, The Last Warning is a fantastic movie. You can sometimes find it on YouTube, and if you can, I highly recommend it. Dang fine film.
Anyway, while I didn't discuss The Phantom of the Opera (1925), Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens (1922), Körkarlen (1921), or Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari (1920), I recommend those movies also, especially if you're maybe a beginner when it comes to the silent classics.
I hope this thread is located in the right location, and hope the topic hasn't been over-discussed.