Plot

Director Fritz Lang, already famous for silent films like METROPOLIS, made the move into the sound era with a dark tale that makes clear his growing discomfort with the Germany that was letting Nazism grow. Lang's chilling and powerful use of the theme music from Grieg's PEER GYNT is landmark film score one can never forget.

A serial killer, played by Peter Lorre, preys on children; the police of Berlin exert so much energy on finding him that the work of the criminal underworld is impeded. The crime gangs therefore decide to find the killer themselves, and eventually do so, branding his coat with the letter 'M' for murderer. This film is widely regarded as paving the way for Film Noir and launched the career of Peter Lorre.

Reviews:
"What a haunting film it is!" -Roger Ebert
"Riveting and unforgettable!" -Edward Guthmann, San Francisco Chronicle

Related Links

• IMDb Page
• Wikipedia Page

Customer Comments

• Reviewer: anonymous on 06-Jun-2006

  Very creepy. A classic film and a steal at the price.

• Reviewer: anonymous on 06-Jul-2006

  M is widely recognized for being an important film that helped to shape the genre of film noir. M is the story of a manhunt for a serial murderer who preys on young girls. After eight girls are killed and months of searching for their murderer, the police become desperate and conduct an intensive investigation and raids in a search for any kind of clue. The heightened police activity cripples the business of the organized gangs of the underworld which causes the gang leaders to use their manpower and contacts to search for the murderer as well. The film is shown from both the perspective of the police officials and the underworld leaders, displaying their attempts to find the devious criminal. M is a classic which builds on itself as the film progresses, becoming more and more tense as the murderer comes closer to being captured. Being a black and white film as well as being in German with English subtitles might be intimidating for some but for those willing to give it a chance M will almost certainly be enjoyed by anyone who likes film noir or detective movies.

• Reviewer: anonymous on 27-Feb-2007

  Bad quality, good movie.

• Reviewer: anonymous on 24-Jun-2007

  Very disturbing drama! M is by far one of the best foreign films in cinema history. It's dark and moving as well as disturbing and depressing. Peter Lorre is unforgettable and
  brings you in the mind of a child killer obssessed with little girls. For anything, this is a tense thriller that strikes you in the gut. Don't miss this classic masterpiece.

• Reviewer: briksdal on 21-Sep-2008

  More than 75 years after its premiere this movie packs a wallop. The story line is taut. Utilizing The Mob to find the murderer and bring him to justice is a unique plot twist. The movie builds continuously to its climax. Incredibly well done! The acting is excellent throughout and this movie introduces Peter Lorre in his first major film appearance.

• Reviewer: atmosphericskull on 16-Apr-2009

  an important note: this was the first serial killer film made.

Additional Information

• Country: Germany
• Language: German, English Subtitles
• Format: NTSC
• Aspect Ratio: 4:3 (standard TV)
• Color: Black & White
• Sound: Mono