Recommended show for viewing - Artes documentary: "Behind the Mask: The Journey of Peter Lorre"
In 1931, the film "M - A City Searches for a Murderer" by Fritz Lang starring Peter Lorre made a striking impact in cinematic history. Lorre's eyes and voice were the key to his notable portrayal of the psychopathic child murderer, Hans Beckert. This film brought him fame and infamy alike, as it typecast him as a villain forever due to the intensity of his performance. The documentary "Peter Lorre - Behind the Mask of Evil," airing on Arte, offers an in-depth look at his life before and after the iconic role.
The documentary begins with the life of Lazlo Loewenstein, born in Hungary and later raised in Vienna, who had a passion for theater. However, his life took an unexpected turn with the rise of the Nazis, prompting him to flee to Hollywood in the early 1930s. Under the pseudonym Peter Lorre, he found success as a prolific film actor, starring in movies like those directed by Alfred Hitchcock and John Huston. "Casablanca" is among his most famous works. In 1951, Lorre directed and starred in "The Lost One," but that film was a commercial failure. Despite his numerous roles and changing masks, Lorre's captivating presence on screen remains to this day.
Battling alcohol and drug addiction throughout his life, Lorre experienced financial hardships in the late 1950s, which caused his own production company to go bankrupt. He was forced to work in lesser-known movies like "The Raven - Duel of the Magicians." Yet, regardless of how strange his roles were or the masks he wore, his effect on audiences remains untarnished. His story of life, success, and downfall serves as a testament to the power of cinema.
Before the documentary airs, the film "M - A City Searches for a Murderer" is shown at around 8:15 PM, featuring Lorre's legendary performance as the child murderer with frightening intensity. The author Evelyn Schels narrates his personal and professional life - from his time in Europe to his Hollywood transformation and back - with a deep respect for the man behind the monsters.
Although Lorre's professional and personal life was plagued by addiction, marriage, and financial troubles, his ability to captivate audiences with his performances remains unforgettable.
Read also:
- In light of the upcoming Arte documentary, "Peter Lorre - Behind the Mask of Evil," it's interesting to note that his career began in Germany, before the rise of the Nazis forced him to flee to Hollywood.
- On June 10, viewers in Berlin can watch a TV screening of Fritz Lang's "M - A City Searches for a Murderer," starring the infamous child murderer portrayed by Peter Lorre, which had a significant impact on his career.
- Although the media often focuses on Lorre's personal struggles with addiction and financial hardships, his impact on television and cinema can be seen in his unforgettable portrayal of the child murderer in "M," directed by Fritz Lang.
- The outlook for German TV viewers is promising, as "Behind the Mask: The Journey of Peter Lorre" promises to offer an in-depth look into the life of the German-Hungarian actor, providing a captivating behind-the-scenes look at his career, including his time in Germany and Hollywood.
