Pandora's Box (1929)

In the intoxicating world of the Jazz Age, Pandora's Box narrates the intoxicating yet tragic tale of Lulu, a captivating young siren with an irresistible allure. Her bewitching beauty and hedonistic lifestyle serve as a powerful magnet, ensnaring the men around her in a web of desire and destruction. The film, directed by G.W. Pabst, serves as Louise Brooks' international breakthrough, immortalizing her as the emblem of an era. Lulu is the captivating muse and plaything of the affluent editor, Dr. Ludwig Schön, but their relationship holds no promise. Schön, engaged to a woman of his social standing, Charlotte, orchestrates for Lulu to perform in a musical revue, a decision that ensnares his own son, Alwa, in Lulu's enchanting trap. An unexpected turn of events at the theatre finds Schön entrapped in a compromising situation, forcing him to marry Lulu, despite the inevitable devastation to his reputation. However, their wedding day marks the beginning of a tragic decline. Driven to the brink, Schön's desperate actions lead to his demise, and Lulu is subsequently convicted of manslaughter. But her story doesn't end here. Aided by her old accomplices, Lulu escapes, propelling them all into a downward spiral of despair. Pandora's Box, inspired by the plays of F. Wedekind, masterfully depicts a tale of charm, manipulation, and the high price of hedonism, leaving an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape.

Pandora's Box is a crime movie featuring Michael von Newlinsky.

Pandora's Box is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Criterion Channel, Max and Max Amazon Channel.