This mostly lost film is often confused with director Paul Wegener third and readily available interpretation of the legend; Der Golem, wie er in die Welt kam (1920). In this version of the golem legend, the golem, a clay statue brought to life by Rabbi Loew in 16th century Prague to save the Jews from the ongoing brutal persecution by the city's rulers, is found in the rubble of an old synagogue in the 20th century. Brought to life by an antique dealer, the golem is used as a menial servant. Eventually falling in love with the dealer's wife, it goes on a murderous rampage when its love for her goes unanswered.
Direction
Wegener's second crack at the legend — he's obsessed and it shows.
Production
Massive sets, practical clay monster, pure Weimar ambition.
Director
Paul Wegener
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Only fragments survive — about 20 minutes exist scattered across archives. The rest is genuinely lost to time.
This 1915 version is the actual first golem film, making it a missing link between German folklore and Universal's Frankenstein.
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