Henrik Galeen

This mostly lost film is often confused with director Paul Wegener third and readily available interpretation of the legend; Der Golem, wie er in die Welt kam (1920). In this version of the golem legend, the golem, a clay statue brought to life by Rabbi Loew in 16th century Prague to save the Jews from the ongoing brutal persecution by the city's rulers, is found in the rubble of an old synagogue in the 20th century. Brought to life by an antique dealer, the golem is used as a menial servant. Eventually falling in love with the dealer's wife, it goes on a murderous rampage when its love for her goes unanswered.

Orphan Enid White becomes the ward of a cruel man. She gets close to her guardian's wife and also to his son, who secretly comes to visit when his father is not around. One evening Enid is whipped by the patriarch, and hours later he is found dead. An investigation follows.

Filmarchiv Austria holds a non-access master print and a nitrate duplicate negative of the film.

DANGEROUS PATHS marked the beginning of Henrik Galeen’s collaboration with Piel, which by 1931 had comprised a total of five films. The present film offers the opportunity to see screenwriter Galeen in front of the camera as the super-rich American Francis. The journeyman carpenter Harry is bewitched by Francis’s daughter Dorothy, whom he has to rescue from the clutches of dangerous hoodlums. The gang is also trying to steal the crown of a prince. Thus Harry finds himself in a sophisticated adventure that features spectacular nature shots (filmed in the Alps).