There's something truly engrossing about the early days of horror cinema. Silent horror films show how ambiance, makeup, and exaggerated facial features can frighten audiences even to this day. When talkies became more prominent, horror movies took it up a notch -- after all, is there nothing more jarring than a blood-curdling scream?
The Golden Age of horror connects to fans to this day, with many movies becoming pop culture landmarks. Several of the best horror movies come from German Expressionism, which took the silent era of horror up a notch. Finding items from the release of a respective movie can be hard, but for a collector, the hunt is worth it!
The Golem Lobby Card
In 1920 The Golem: How He Came Into the World was released in Geman cinema by director Paul Wegener. Inspired by the Jewish folktale of The Golem, this expressionistic horror film was one of the first films to depict the idea of a "man-made monster", which would eventually be popularized by a certain Universal film. Wegener had made a trilogy of Golem films, but The Golem: How He Came Into the World was the only film to survive World War Two. The film is in the public domain, so if you're curious about this film, it can easily be found on sites like YouTube.
This rare piece of German horror cinema is a sight to behold. Heritage notes this lobby card as being virtually unhandled, and in Very Fine condition. A similar card was sold previously on Heritage for $6,600.
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari Lobby Card
If you've never seen the quintessential German Expressionist film The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, go watch it and then come back to this article. At only a little over an hour long, director Robert Weine uses set designs that are truly nightmare-invoking, but for me personally, Conrad Veidt as Cesare truly steals the show. With a mix of his makeup, lights, and shadows, Cesare is as terrifying as he is fascinating. This is one of the most important films in cinema overall, and can still be enjoyed 100+ years after its release.
This lobby card highlights the set work in this film, making this one of the more attractive lobby cards from the film. The use of light and shadow is drastic, and the twisted curves and edges of the building add a layer of gothic atmosphere. Heritage notes this lobby card as being in Very Fine+ condition, with very minor flaws. A similar lobby card sold on Heritage in 2007 for $5,676.
Nosferatu German Magazine Promotional Ad
Nosferatu is arguably one of the most well-known German Expressionist horror films of all time and has a rather interesting backstory. Based on Bram Stoker's novel Dracula, director F. W. Murnau nor the production company -- Prana -- had obtained the rights to make a Dracula film (despite this they still credited the novel, which would come back to haunt them). As such the creative team changed names and reworked some plot points.
Despite the film's popularity, that did not save Prana from going out of business mere months later. Bram Stoker's widow -- Florence Stoker -- also made it her mission to try and stop Nosferatu from existing -- to the point where she wanted every single copy of the film burned to ash. The film survived and was even remade in the 1970s was the topic of The Shadow of the Vampire staring Willem Dafoe, and is currently being remade again -- hopefully with Dafoe reprising his role as the vampire.
This German magazine ad for the film is visually striking and unnerving. Count Orlok is front and center, with rats scurrying at his feet. But his gleaming, piercing eyes give way to something sinister. This ad truly nailed the horror that is Dracula -- or Count Orlok. Heritage notes this ad as being in Very Fine shape with minor wear. They're giving it an estimated price between $10,000 - $20,000.
Do you collect rare horror cinema finds? Let us know in the comments below!
*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.
