La perruque

It's been ten years since I seen Bethold Viertel's compelling film "Die Perucke" (or "the Wig") at the Pordenone Silent Film Festival back in 1997. But of all the films I seen throughout that eventful week(including some impressive silents from China...) I would have to say that "Die Peruke" was the most impressive.

The story concerns a man in the 1920's who, while visiting an antique shop, discovers an old powdered wig. While trying the wig on he is instantly whisked back to the 1700's & becomes the nobleman who originally wore the wig. The story evolves as the protagonist becomes involved with the dark intrigue of that time period within his own (or rather, the wig's original owner's) manor, as he tries to get back to his own era.

What impressed me most at the time, in addition to the fascinating story of time travel & impressive sets, was the dexterous use of Expressionist lighting displayed throughout this film. The lighting became even more dynamic as the film's narrative reached it's zenith.

If you ever get a chance to see this unheralded German classic of the silent era do yourself a favor & spend the time &/or money to see it. You won't regret it...