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Hanns Heinz Ewers' grim science-fiction novel Alraune has already been filmed twice when this version was assembled in 1928. In another of his "mad doctor" roles, Paul Wegener plays Professor Brinken, sociopathic scientist who combines the genes of an executed murderer with those of a prostitute. The result is a beautiful young woman named Alraune (Brigitte Helm), who is incapable of feeling any real emotions -- least of all guilt or regret. Upon attaining adulthood, Alraune sets about to seduce and destroy every male who crosses her path. Ultimately, Professor Brinken is hoist on his own petard when he falls hopelessly in love with Alraune himself. Alraune was remade in 1930, with Brigitte Helm repeating her role, and again in 1951, with Hildegarde Knef as the "heroine" and Erich von Stroheim as her misguided mentor.

Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Science Fiction

Starring: Brigitte Helm, Paul Wegener, Ivan Petrovich

Released: January 25, 1928

Runtime: 108.0

Popularity Rating: 1.406

Amalia Film GmbH

Germany

Alraune ten Brinken Brigitte Helm
Prof. Jakob ten Brinken Paul Wegener
Franz Braun Ivan Petrovich
Wolfchen Wolfgang Zilzer
Der Zauberkunstler Louis Ralph
Der Dompteur Hans Trautner
Der Vicomte John Loder
Die Dirne Mia Pankau
Madchen von der Gasse Valeska Gert
Der Morder Georg John
Ein Herr im Coupe Alexander Sascha
Ein Herr in der Bar Heinrich Schroth

Art — Art Direction: Max Heilbronner
Art — Art Direction: Walter Reimann
Camera — Director of Photography: Franz Planer
Camera — Still Photographer: Walter Lichtenstein
Directing — Director: Henrik Galeen
Production — Producer: Helmut Schreiber
Sound — Music: Willy Schmidt-Gentner
Writing — Novel: Hanns Heinz Ewers
Writing — Screenplay: Henrik Galeen