Stuff You Missed in History Class: SYMHC Classics – F.W. Murnau

Episode Release Date: December 28, 2024

In this episode of "Stuff You Missed in History Class" by iHeartPodcasts, hosts Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson delve into the life and legacy of F.W. Murnau, a pivotal figure in early cinema whose influence resonates to this day. The episode, released on Tracy's 136th birthday, provides an in-depth exploration of Murnau's contributions to film, his personal life, and the enduring myths surrounding his most famous work, Nosferatu.

Early Life and Theatrical Beginnings

Tracy V. Wilson begins by outlining Murnau's origins:

"Murnau was born Friedrich Wilhelm Plumpe in Bielefeld, Germany, on December 28, 1889. His brother Robert later described him, who went by his middle name of Wilhelm, by saying, 'From the very beginning, my brother overflowed with imagination.'" ([04:51])

Growing up in a well-off family, Murnau was immersed in the arts from a young age, putting on plays in his family's estate gardens. This early exposure ignited his passion for theater, despite his father's desire for him to pursue an academic career.

Transition to Film

Murnau's shift from theater to cinema was influenced by Max Reinhardt, a renowned figure in German theater. In 1911, Murnau assisted Reinhardt in the production of The Miracle and soon realized his preference for directing over acting. His stature—standing at 6'4"—made leading roles impractical, steering him towards directing where his height was an asset rather than a hindrance.

Tracy V. Wilson notes:

"Murnau's move to directing was motivated by a certain practicality. He knew that being as tall as he was would be a hindrance to being cast in leading roles. But his height really made no difference to working as a director." ([07:46])

World War I and Personal Loss

Murnau's artistic pursuits were interrupted by World War I, where he served in the German Air Force. Despite multiple crash landings—eight in total—he survived each without serious injury. During his internment in Switzerland, he continued to create, working on film scripts and theater productions with fellow prisoners.

The war took a personal toll when his best friend, Hans Ehrenbaum Digle, was killed on the front lines. This loss deepened Murnau's desire to reconnect with his family and led him to focus more intensely on his craft upon the war's conclusion.

"The loss of Hans was perhaps so difficult because he had been one of the few people that Murnau was actually close to." ([09:30])

Breakthrough in Cinema: Nosferatu and Beyond

Post-war, Murnau founded his own film company and transitioned to directing feature films. His 1922 masterpiece, Nosferatu, remains his most enduring work and a cornerstone of the horror genre. The film introduced Count Orlok, an iconic vampire figure whose visual design continues to influence cinematic portrayals of vampires.

Tracy V. Wilson reflects:

"Count Orlok is tall and thin, with large pointy ears, heavy eyebrows, and long pointy front teeth. And he's one of cinema's oldest and most iconic villains." ([11:55])

Innovations in Filmmaking

Murnau was not only a storyteller but also an innovator. His 1924 film, The Last Laugh (Der Letzte Mann), showcased groundbreaking techniques in narrative cinema. The film's minimal use of title cards and reliance on visual storytelling were revolutionary during the silent film era.

"There's almost no dialogue in The Last Laugh. The entire story is told through pantomime and the use of shadow, light, and another artist's creative skill." ([22:18])

Collaborating with cinematographer Karl Freund, Murnau employed innovative camera movements and techniques, such as attaching cameras to bicycles and wearing roller skates to create dynamic shots, which were unprecedented at the time.

Hollywood and Sunrise

Murnau's success in Germany caught Hollywood's attention, leading to a contract with Fox Film Corporation. His first Hollywood project, Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927), is often hailed as a masterpiece for its lyrical storytelling and technical prowess. The film won an award at the first Academy Awards and earned Janet Gaynor a Best Actress accolade.

"Sunrise was a big hit critically, but not so much with audiences. Despite the accolades, Fox decided that Murnau would have less freedom on future projects." ([26:40])

Final Projects and Untimely Death

Murnau's ambition led him to form a partnership with documentarian Robert Flaherty, resulting in the film Taboo (1929). This project, shot in Bora Bora and Tahiti, was Murnau's final work before his tragic death in a car accident in 1931. The circumstances surrounding his death have spawned numerous rumors and myths, including unfounded speculations about his personal life.

"Murnau's sudden death gave his story a very seedy and unpleasant association, with rumors of impropriety swirling around the accident." ([37:16])

Legacy and Continuing Mystique

Murnau's influence persists in modern cinema, with Nosferatu enduring as a seminal work in the horror genre. The myths surrounding his death, including the theft of his skull and speculative rumors about his personal life, have only added to his enigmatic legacy.

Tracy V. Wilson concludes:

"Murnau was a tireless and thorough worker. Behind his gaiety was an indefatigable energy that was nonetheless there because he liked to hide it." ([38:51])

The episode underscores Murnau's role as a pioneer who pushed the boundaries of visual storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on the art of filmmaking.

Notable Quotes

• Tracy V. Wilson: "From the very beginning, my brother overflowed with imagination." ([04:51])
• Tracy V. Wilson: "Murnau was born Friedrich Wilhelm Plumpe in Bielefeld, Germany, on December 28, 1889." ([04:51])
• Unknown Speaker: "Count Orlok is tall and thin, with large pointy ears, heavy eyebrows and long pointy front teeth." ([11:55])
• Tracy V. Wilson: "There's almost no dialogue in The Last Laugh. The entire story is told through pantomime and the use of shadow, light and another artist's creative skill." ([22:18])
• Tracy V. Wilson: "Sunrise was a big hit critically, but not so much with audiences. Despite all of the accolades, Fox decided that Murnau was going to have less freedom on future projects." ([26:40])

Conclusion

This episode offers a comprehensive look at F.W. Murnau's life, highlighting his artistic innovations, his transition from theater to film, his influence on the horror genre, and the enduring fascination with his persona and work. Through engaging storytelling and insightful analysis, Holly and Tracy present Murnau not just as the director of Nosferatu but as a visionary whose legacy continues to shape cinema.

For those intrigued by the intersection of history and film, this episode serves as an enlightening guide to understanding one of cinema's early legends.