Directing legend Fritz Lang takes a break from his German roots to explore the Far East in a lustful tale with strong gothic overtones. A European military officer Olaf (Niels Prien) falls in love with aristocratic O-Take-San (Lil Dagover), but the newlyweds have their relationship cut off when the husband is called back to service in the West. Months later, O-Take-San gives birth to a child while Olaf remarries in Europe. Olaf returns with his new wife and poor O-Take-San has to deal with a malevolent priest who has carnal plans of his own. Lost for most of the 20th century until being rediscovered in the 1980s, HARAKIRI showcases the young talent of the filmmaker prior to going on to do works which would push the medium into new areas never thought of before. As usual, the film will be shown in 35mm, but as an added treat live music will be played to accompany the picture.

HARAKIRI (1919) DIR. FRITZ LANG [80 min.]
7/21 – 7PM
$9 General / $7 Students, Seniors

Harvard Film Archive
24 Quincy Street
Cambridge, MA 02138