Othello 1922

Even without the benefit of sound, the 1922 German adaptation of Othello seems more operatic than Shakespearean. This may be due to the casting of Emil Jannings, to whom restraint and subtlety were strangers. Werner Krauss, of Cabinet of Dr. Caligari fame, is on hand as the duplicitous Iago. Appearing as the unfortunate Desdemona is Lea Von Lenkeffy, better known as Lya de Putti. Produced on an elaborate scale, Othello may not be true to the letter of Shakespeare, but is undeniably a smorgasbord of visual delights.

Cast:

Emil Jannings
Othello 

Werner Krauß
Iago 

Ica von Lenkeffy
Desdemona 

Theodor Loos
Cassio 

Ferdinand von Alten
Rodrigo 

Friedrich Kühne
Brabantio