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Pandora's Box (Die Büchse der Pandora) is a German silent film directed by G.W. Pabst and released in 1929. The title is a reference to Pandora of Greek mythology, who upon opening a box given to her by the gods released all evils into the world, leaving only hope behind.

The film is based loosely on Frank Wedekind's play Die Büchse der Pandora (1903), which was also the source for Alban Berg's opera Lulu.

Plot summary

Louise Brooks stars as Lulu, a young and impulsive vaudeville performer whose raw sexuality and uninhibited nature bring about the downfall of almost everyone she meets.

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

After causing the death of her latest fling and on the lamb from the police, working as a prostitute while hiding in a London garret, she meets her doom at the hands of Jack the Ripper.

Trivia

In 1999, to celebrate the film's 70th anniversary, an official soundtrack was finally commissioned. It was composed and performed by English rock group Subterraneans.

The film is notable for its lesbian subplot in the character of Countess Augusta Geschwitz (in some prints Anna Geschwitz, played by Alice Roberts).

Directed by G. W. Pabst

Produced by Seymour Nebenzal

Written by G. W. Pabst,

Ladislaus Vajda

Starring

Louise Brooks,
Francis Lederer,
Carl Goetz,
Alice Roberts

Cinematography Günther Krampf

Distributed by Süd-Film

Release date 1928/1929

Running time 100-152 minutes

Country Germany