Rediscovering Brigitte Helm - by Paul Cuff (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In 1927, Brigitte Helm's sensational debut in Metropolis made her an instant star. Hailed as "fascinating, vigorous, dangerous" on screen, she established an international reputation with a series of hugely popular films. Helm successfully navigated the transition from silent to sound cinema and fought for greater creative influence over her work. Perpetually battling producers, she was ultimately unwilling to be controlled. In 1935, at age 27, she quit film forever. Reevaluating Helm's extraordinary career through groundbreaking archival research, this first monograph on Helm in English is the only exploration of her surviving work, seeking to broaden understanding of her historical significance and artistic achievements.

Review Quotes

"Who doesn't want to know more about Brigitte Helm, the elegant, expressive star with a brief but brilliantly accomplished career? This sharply written, illuminating study of one of German's cinema's most intriguing screen presences could not be more welcome. What is even more rewarding is the breadth of Cuff's research and the deft, detailed analysis he offers of both Helm's complex performances, and the evolution of her star persona. A joy to read, and full of new material."--Pamela Hutchinson, film critic and historian

About the Author

Paul Cuff is a film historian from the United Kingdom, specializing in silent and early sound cinema. His publications include numerous articles and two books, and he writes the blog The Realm of Silence.