The Student of Prague

Synopsis

The Student of Prague, originally titled Der Student von Prag, is a 1913 German silent horror film directed by Stellan Rye and starring Paul Wegener. The story follows a young student who makes a Faustian pact with a mysterious stranger, leading to a series of dark and supernatural events that spiral out of control. The film explores themes of duality, identity, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. With stunning visuals and a haunting atmosphere, The Student of Prague is hailed as a pioneering work in early German cinema and a classic example of Gothic horror.

Cast

• 

  Paul Wegener

  Balduin - A Student / Self

• Grete Berger

  Countess Margit von Schwarzenberg

• 

  Lyda Salmonova

  Lyduschka - A Wanderer Girl

• 

  John Gottowt

  Scapinelli - An Old Adventurer

• Lothar Körner

  Count von Schwarzenberg - Margit's father

• Fritz Weidemann

  Baron Waldis-Schwarzenberg - Margit's Cousin and Fiancé

Reviews

The Student of Prague received mixed reviews upon its release. While some critics praised the film for its atmospheric cinematography and compelling narrative, others found fault with its pacing and reliance on melodrama. Rotten Tomatoes gives The Student of Prague a rating of 6.8/10 based on contemporary reviews, with one critic calling it 'an eerie and unforgettable masterpiece of the silent era'. On IMDb, the movie has an average score of 6.4/10, indicating a polarizing reception among audiences. Metacritic aggregates a variety of reviews, resulting in a meta-score of 60, with some reviewers emphasizing the film's innovative visual style while others critiqued its overwrought storytelling. Overall, The Student of Prague remains a divisive but influential entry in the history of horror cinema.