M (Criterion Collection)

Peter Lorre, Otto Wernicke. Directed by Fritz Lang. Lorre made his powerful screen debut as a child murderer hunted by the authorities and the underworld. This digitally remastered version features a restored soundtrack and additional footage including the often-missing final scene! In German with English subtitles. 1931/ Black & White /111 min/NR/full screen. A simple, haunting musical phrase whistled off screen tells US that a young girl will be killed. "Who is the Murderer?" pleads a nearby placard as serial killer Hans Beckert, played by Peter Lorre (CASABLANCA, THE MALTESE FALCON), closes in on little Elsie Beckmann. In his harrowing masterwork M, Fritz Lang (METROPOLIS, THE TESTAMENT OF DR. MABUSE) merges trenchant social commentary with chilling suspense, creating a panorama of private madness and public hysteria that to this day remains the blueprint for the psychological thriller. Directed by Fritz Lang. Starring Peter Lorre, Ellen Widman, Inge Landgut, Otto Wernicke and Theodor Loos.