I know this is not a film for people who like action or simple stories, rather it is a look at 1931 Germany, state of the art Germany mind you. The story line is provacative for it's time and plays out slowly as the film builds. There are so many shots that were "firsts", montage, close ups of stuff with sound telling the story, clips of the camera moving in and out of the action while the sound is very distinct, lots of use of light and dark and contrast, superb acting with little or no special effects or camera cuts.

Peter Loree is stunning in his role of the child murderer, tormented and innocent, forboding and angry, those eyes steal the scene as they bulge with passion. A cameo by Eric Von Stroheim. Its all in German with sub titles as it should be, the sound is an important part of this.

Everyone smokes indoors, several kids get it, peter loree foo, no vehicle chases, interesting use of sound to tell a story, use of telephone, burglar alarm made of tape and bells, forensics that were state of the art at the time,no blood, no guts, drama on high, organized beggars, lots of German, no gunplay, knife action, well written, well cast, well directed.

This is Lang at his best. This film, although long at points, is a masterpiece for its time and all time. I have hundreds of "top 10" films on my list, this is one of them.