You Must Remember This Fritz Lang 1959-1970 (The Old Man is Still Alive, Part 2)
Jan 21, 2025
Fritz Lang's tumultuous journey from Nazi Germany to Hollywood is a riveting tale of resilience and reinvention. The impact of political turmoil on his relationships and storytelling unfolds, alongside his disjointed Hollywood career involving notable collaborations. The podcast also delves into the cultural reflections within his late films and critiques of media narratives, revealing deeper societal issues. Lang's unfinished dreams and provocative aspirations in his later years are explored, highlighting the complexity of his legacy in cinema.
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Lang's First Wife's Death
- Fritz Lang's first wife, Lisa Rosenthal, died of a gunshot wound, officially ruled a suicide, after allegedly discovering Lang with his mistress, Thea von Harbou.
- Lang then married von Harbou, and they collaborated on his renowned German silent films.
Von Harbou's Nazi Affiliation
- Thea von Harbou and her new lover, Ayi Tendulkar, became Nazis, which shocked Lang.
- Ironically, their interracial marriage was forbidden under Nazi law.
Lang's Escape from Nazi Germany
- Joseph Goebbels tried to recruit Lang for Nazi propaganda films, but Lang, terrified, planned his escape.
- Lang fled Germany, leaving behind valuable possessions, which were later confiscated by the Nazis.