Fritz LangFriedrich Anton Christian Lang (December 5, 1890 - August 2, 1976) was an Austrian film director, screenwriter and occasional film producer, one of the most famous emigrés from Germany's school of expressionism to work in Hollywood. Fritz LangAlthough some consider Lang's work to be simple melodrama, he produced a coherent oeuvre that helped to establish the characteristics of film noir, with its recurring themes of psychological conflict, paranoia, fate and moral ambiguity. His work influenced filmmakers as disparate as Jacques Rivette and William Friedkin. His most famous films are probably Metropolis and M, made before he moved to the United States. Lang was an artist and a painter who enlisted in the army and fought in World War I. While recovering from both injuries and shell shock, he joined Germany's Ufa studio just as the Expressionist movement was waxing. In this first phase of his career, Lang alternated between art films such as Der Müde Tod and populist thrillers such as Die Spinnen (a two-part film), combining popular genres with Expressionist techniques to create an unprecedented synthesis of popular entertainment with art cinema, culminating in his most famous silent works: Dr. Mabuse, der Spieler (1922), a crime epic (running four hours in two parts in its original version, recently restored by the Munich Filmmuseum) focusing on the psychological conflict between the master criminal Mabuse and detective Von Wenk; Die Nibelungen (1924), and his most famous film, Metropolis (1927). Legend has it that Metropolis greatly impressed the leaders of the growing Nazi movement, though Lang detested their philosophy and wrote anti-Nazi statements into his 1933 film Das Testament des Dr. Mabuse (The Testament of Dr. Mabuse). Mabuse was banned when the Nazis seized power, but Joseph Goebbels still respected Lang enough to offer him the head position of the German film industry. Rather than accept the position, Lang fled Germany. Thea von Harbou, his wife and long-time collaborator, had joined the Nazi party and remained behind. In 1931, between Metropolis and Das Testament des Dr. Mabuse, Lang directed what many film scholars consider to be his masterpiece: M, a disturbing story of a child murderer (Peter Lorre in his first starring role) who is hunted down and brought to trial by Berlin's criminal underworld. M remains a powerful work; it was remade in 1951 by Joseph Losey, but this version had little impact on audiences, and has become harder to see than the original film. Upon his arrival in Hollywood, Lang joined the MGM studio and directed the impressive crime drama Fury. Lang made twenty-one features in the next twenty-one years, working in a variety of genres at every major studio in Hollywood, occasionally producing his films as an independent. These films, often compared unfavourably by contemporary critics to Lang's earlier works, have since been reevaluated as the equal of, if not superior to, his German films. During this period, his visual style simplified and his worldview became increasingly pessimistic, culminating in the cold, geometric style of his last American films, While the City Sleeps (1956) and Beyond a Reasonable Doubt (1957). Lang epitomized the stereotype of the tyrannical German director; he was known for being hard to work with. He wore a monocle that added to the stereotype (though film historians say this particular cliché began with Erich von Stroheim), and his image has been parodied in a number of media, including GWAR's long form video Phallus in Wonderland. During the 1950s, Lang found it harder to find congenial production conditions in Hollywood and, following a major disagreement with the producer of Beyond A Reasonable Doubt, he returned to Germany to make his last films. These works received mixed reviews, some condemning them as stylised and detached, while others praised them for the same qualities. Lang's eyesight steadily deteriorated throughout the 1950s and, after a final Dr. Mabuse film, Die 1000 Augen des Dr. Mabuse (1960), he returned to the United States. He continued collecting research material and drafting screenplays, but never made another film. He died in 1976 and was interred in the Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills Cemetery in Los Angeles. Filmography
This page about Fritz Lang includes information from a Wikipedia article. Additional articles about Fritz Lang News stories about Fritz Lang External links for Fritz Lang Videos for Fritz Lang Wikis about Fritz Lang Discussion Groups about Fritz Lang Blogs about Fritz Lang Images of Fritz Lang |
|
He died in 1976 and was interred in the Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills Cemetery in Los Angeles. Larroquette has appeared on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson on numerous occassions, as well as several appearances on both Dave Letterman's shows. He has hosted Saturday Night Live twice. He continued collecting research material and drafting screenplays, but never made another film. He is also a registered member of the Libertarian Party, a fact he alluded to when he made an appearance on Dennis Miller's CNBC show on the "Varsity Panel". Mabuse (1960), he returned to the United States. He has three children with his wife, Elizabeth Ann Cookson. Lang's eyesight steadily deteriorated throughout the 1950s and, after a final Dr. Mabuse film, Die 1000 Augen des Dr. In the seventies and eighties, Larroquette battled alcoholism. These works received mixed reviews, some condemning them as stylised and detached, while others praised them for the same qualities. Other movies Larroquette had significant roles in include: Stripes, Meatballs Part II, Summer Rental, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, JFK, and Richie Rich. During the 1950s, Lang found it harder to find congenial production conditions in Hollywood and, following a major disagreement with the producer of Beyond A Reasonable Doubt, he returned to Germany to make his last films. He starred in the 1989 movie Second Sight, with Bronson Pinchot, and Madhouse, with Kirstie Alley. Larroquette was the (uncredited) narrator in the 1974 slasher The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. He wore a monocle that added to the stereotype (though film historians say this particular cliché began with Erich von Stroheim), and his image has been parodied in a number of media, including GWAR's long form video Phallus in Wonderland. He later starred on The John Larroquette Show as John Hemmingway. Lang epitomized the stereotype of the tyrannical German director; he was known for being hard to work with. His feelings for Christine evolved into a rivalry with Harry (Harry Anderson) for her affection. During this period, his visual style simplified and his worldview became increasingly pessimistic, culminating in the cold, geometric style of his last American films, While the City Sleeps (1956) and Beyond a Reasonable Doubt (1957). Fielding flirted incessantly with any young female including both Billie and Christine (Markie Post). These films, often compared unfavourably by contemporary critics to Lang's earlier works, have since been reevaluated as the equal of, if not superior to, his German films. His delivery, especially for his libidinous jokes, was perfect. Lang made twenty-one features in the next twenty-one years, working in a variety of genres at every major studio in Hollywood, occasionally producing his films as an independent. However, Larroquette's real talent was in his comic timing. Upon his arrival in Hollywood, Lang joined the MGM studio and directed the impressive crime drama Fury. In a famous example, he talked a chemically-imbalanced Roz (Marsha Warfield) down from a ledge. M remains a powerful work; it was remade in 1951 by Joseph Losey, but this version had little impact on audiences, and has become harder to see than the original film. However, on many occassions Fielding displayed true warmth and well-timed morality. Mabuse, Lang directed what many film scholars consider to be his masterpiece: M, a disturbing story of a child murderer (Peter Lorre in his first starring role) who is hunted down and brought to trial by Berlin's criminal underworld. Smarmy, crude, and self-centered, he represented the most negative stereotype of a lawyer. In 1931, between Metropolis and Das Testament des Dr. For many, Larroquette's Fielding was the main draw to the show. Thea von Harbou, his wife and long-time collaborator, had joined the Nazi party and remained behind. His four consecutive wins were, at the time, a record. Rather than accept the position, Lang fled Germany. In 1989, he asked to not be considered for Emmy consideration. Mabuse was banned when the Nazis seized power, but Joseph Goebbels still respected Lang enough to offer him the head position of the German film industry. Danforth (Dan) Reinhold Fielding, a role for which he won Emmys in 1985, 1986, 1987, and 1988. Mabuse). He is probably most famous for his role on Night Court where he played weaselly Assistant D.A. Mabuse (The Testament of Dr. John Bernard Larroquette is an actor in television and the movies. Legend has it that Metropolis greatly impressed the leaders of the growing Nazi movement, though Lang detested their philosophy and wrote anti-Nazi statements into his 1933 film Das Testament des Dr. Directed several episodes of Night Court. Mabuse, der Spieler (1922), a crime epic (running four hours in two parts in its original version, recently restored by the Munich Filmmuseum) focusing on the psychological conflict between the master criminal Mabuse and detective Von Wenk; Die Nibelungen (1924), and his most famous film, Metropolis (1927). Is an avid New Orleans Saints fan. In this first phase of his career, Lang alternated between art films such as Der Müde Tod and populist thrillers such as Die Spinnen (a two-part film), combining popular genres with Expressionist techniques to create an unprecedented synthesis of popular entertainment with art cinema, culminating in his most famous silent works: Dr. Played reed instruments as a child. While recovering from both injuries and shell shock, he joined Germany's Ufa studio just as the Expressionist movement was waxing. Has an earring in his left ear. Lang was an artist and a painter who enlisted in the army and fought in World War I. I'd like to be doing quality acting in a quality role and making as many people as possible happy.". His most famous films are probably Metropolis and M, made before he moved to the United States. "The medium doesn't matter. His work influenced filmmakers as disparate as Jacques Rivette and William Friedkin. "When I call myself an artist, please realize I do this with my tongue firmly implanted in my cheek...". Although some consider Lang's work to be simple melodrama, he produced a coherent oeuvre that helped to establish the characteristics of film noir, with its recurring themes of psychological conflict, paranoia, fate and moral ambiguity. Sanford and Son. Friedrich Anton Christian Lang (December 5, 1890 - August 2, 1976) was an Austrian film director, screenwriter and occasional film producer, one of the most famous emigrés from Germany's school of expressionism to work in Hollywood. Kojak. Mabuse) (1960). Three's Company. Mabuse (The Thousand Eyes of Dr. Mork & Mindy. Die 1000 Augen des Dr. Dallas. Das indische Grabmal (The Indian Tomb, or: Journey to the Lost City) (1959). Dave's World. Der Tiger von Eschnapur (The Tiger of Eschnapur, or: The Tiger of Bengal) (1959). The West Wing. Beyond a Reasonable Doubt (1957). The Practice - Joey Heric. While the City Sleeps (1956). The Incurable Collector. Moonfleet (1955). McBride. Human Desire (1954). Doctor's Hospital. The Big Heat(1953). Black Sheep Squadron. The Blue Gardenia (1953). Night Court. Clash by Night (1952). The John Larroquette Show. Rancho Notorious (1952). Payne. American Guerrilla in the Philippines (1950). Happy Family. House by the River (1950). Meatballs II - Foxglove. Secret Beyond the Door (1948). Green Ice. Cloak and Dagger (1946). The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) - Narrator (uncredited) (voice). Scarlet Street (1945). Stripes (1981). The Woman in the Window (1944). Cat People (1982). Ministry of Fear (1944). Choose Me (1984). Hangmen Also Die (1943). Star Trek III: The Search For Spock (1984). Moontide (1942) (uncredited). Summer Rental. Confirm or Deny (1941) (uncredited). Madhouse (1990). Man Hunt (1941). Tune in Tomorrow. Western Union (1941). Walter and Henry (1999). The Return of Frank James (1940). The 10th Kingdom (2000). You and Me (1938). The Heart Department (2001). You Only Live Once (1937). The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003). Fury (1936). Wedding Daze. Liliom (1934). Mabuse) (1933). Mabuse (The Testament of Dr. Das Testament des Dr. M (1931). Frau im Mond (Woman in the Moon) (1929). Spione (Spies) (1928). Metropolis (1927). Die Nibelungen: Kriemhilds Rache (Die Nibelungen: Kriemheld's Revenge) (1924). Die Nibelungen: Siegfried (Die Nibelungen: Siegfried) (1924). Mabuse, The Gambler) (1922). Mabuse, der Spieler (Dr. Dr. Vier um die Frau (Four Around a Woman) (1921). Der Müde Tod (Beyond the Wall) (1921). Das Wandernde Bild (The Wandering Image) (1920). Teil: Das Brillantenschiff (Spiders, Part 2: The Diamond Ship) (1920). Die Spinnen, 2. Der Herr der Liebe (Master of Love) (1919). Die Pest in Florenz (The Plague in Florence) (1919). Harakiri (Madame Butterfly) (1919). Teil: Der Goldene See (Spiders, Part 1: The Golden Lake)(1919). Die Spinnen, 1. Halbblut (The Half-Caste) (1919). |