Fritz Lang’s movie “M” (film, Luther Adler, watching, Peter Lorre)

[victimofGM]

Watching it through a recording from TCM. The theme is very modern and I wonder if anyone has tried to remake the film using the basic theme and plot. It’s a German film made in 1931 with Peter Lorre as the star. There’s a child killer (Peter Lorre) terrorizing the community. Police struggle to find the killer. People in panic begin accosting and accusing others of being the killer. Things reach a point that even the organized criminals’ businesses are impacted and they feel the need to also act to find the killer.

[harry chickpea]

I don't recall any. A major remake would have only been greenlighted in the early 1970s, as the idea of bad guys acting as good guy judge and jury is too far from "code" and not play well in the U.S.

[P47P47]

Based on the Peter Kurten case.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_K%C3%BCrten

[Bungalove]

Originally Posted by victimofGM

Watching it through a recording from TCM. The theme is very modern and I wonder if anyone has tried to remake the film using the basic theme and plot. It’s a German film made in 1931 with Peter Lorre as the star. There’s a child killer (Peter Lorre) terrorizing the community. Police struggle to find the killer. People in panic begin accosting and accusing others of being the killer. Things reach a point that even the organized criminals’ businesses are impacted and they feel the need to also act to find the killer.

Yes, there was a remake of "M" in 1951 with, of all people, David Wayne playing the criminal. However, the incomparable Luther Adler played the attorney and did a wonderful job. I try and catch it when TCM shows the movie just to watch his impassioned speech. It's really the only good part of the movie. Lang's version is so much better in every other way and Lorre was perfect for the role - his performance was stellar.

[msgsing]

I don’t know why anyone needs to make a remake of a classic critically acclaimed film. M stands on it’s own merits and second guessing and manipulating the original storyline is an affront to artistic integrity.