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OPEN CLASSIC CINEMA · 666

Faust

1926106 minGermany
DramaFantasy
Video edition
Wikimedia Commons
Original language
No spoken dialogue. Intertitles: German.
This copy runs
106:25
Subtitles
English

Languages and subtitles

Subtitles requested

Wikimedia Commons · F. W. Murnau · Public domain

Subtitles: Wikimedia Commons · Open Classic Cinema

Synopsis

Unable to stop an epidemic, an elderly scholar accepts help from the demon Mephisto. The attempt to save others develops into a supernatural pact that promises renewed youth and pleasure. Faust falls in love with Gretchen, drawing her and her community into the consequences of his agreement with the devil.

Cast

DirectorsF. W. Murnau

Inspirations

Murnau's adaptation draws on the Faust legend and Goethe's treatment of it. It reshapes the material for silent cinema through large visual contrasts between temptation, suffering and redemption.

Behind the scenes

The film was Murnau's final German production before his move to Hollywood. Ufa devoted extensive studio work and special effects to its supernatural imagery, including repeated takes for complicated visual sequences.

Sources and availability

General references identify the work and its copy. A reference beside an editorial section is linked to the claims checked in that section.

Wikipedia — film referenceWikidata — film identity and credits

Work catalogued as public domain in the United States.

The public-domain references concern the original films in the United States. Rights can differ for other countries, editions, restorations, music or translations. Sources are listed on each film page.

Availability checked on September 12, 2026.

Photograph credit

Photographs cropped, resized and optimized as WebP, displayed in monochrome.

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