The Doorway to Hell (1930) Review: The Good, The Bad & How to Watch

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  The Doorway to Hell (1930) Review: The Good, The Bad & How to Watch  American Film, Crime, Drama Academy Awards, 1931- Nominee: Best Writing, Original Story The early 1930s in Hollywood were marked by a frantic, electric energy as the industry found its voice—literally. In the middle of this transition, a gritty little gem called The Doorway to Hell slipped into theaters, offering a blueprint for the gangster epics that would soon dominate the silver screen. While it often sits in the shadow of the titans that followed, this film captures a specific, raw moment in cinematic history that feels surprisingly modern even today. More on Wikipedia or Mubi  The Brutal Elegance of The Doorway to Hell  At its heart, the story follows a young gang leader who attempts to trade the chaos of the underworld for a quiet, respectable life. It is a classic American tragedy wrapped in the smoke of a speakeasy. The narrative leans heavily into the irony of a man trying to es...
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Watch Der Apfel ist ab (1948)

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Watch  Der Apfel ist ab (1948)
German Film, Comedy, Fantasy
English title: The Original Sin

Cannes Film Festival, 1949- Official Selection

Helmut Käutner's 1948 film, Der Apfel ist ab (The Apple Fell, or The Original Sin), stands as a significant and imaginative early production in the cinema of post-war West Germany. More than a simple comedy, the film is a clever psychological, political, and even religious satire, loosely based on a musical cabaret revue by members of the "Die Nachrichter" group, including Käutner himself. More on Wikipedia or Mubi

The narrative centers on Adam Schmidt, an apple juice manufacturer played by Bobby Todd, who is utterly paralyzed by his inability to choose between two women: his wife, Lilly Schmidt, and his beloved secretary, Eva Meier-Eden. The dilemma weighs so heavily on him that he attempts suicide amidst the ruins of post-war Germany. Saved and sent to a clinic, his doctor gives him an apple—a prop for therapy—which he is allowed to look at but strictly forbidden to eat. Naturally, Schmidt succumbs to temptation.

Upon consuming the forbidden fruit, Schmidt falls into a fantastical dream state, where his personal struggle is transposed onto the biblical story of the Garden of Eden. He experiences the original sin anew, but with characters who are thinly veiled counterparts to the people in his modern life. Adam Schmidt becomes Adam, Bettina Moissi’s Eva Meier-Eden is the biblical Eve, and Joana Maria Gorvin’s Lilly Schmidt transforms into Lilith. Even his tax consultant, Dr. Lutz, appears as a scheming Lucifer, while Käutner himself takes on the role of Professor Petri, a version of St. Peter.

This allegorical framework allows Käutner to deliver sharp social commentary, using the mythic setting to playfully lampoon human nature and the societal issues of the time. The film is noted for its resourceful and imaginative set and costume design, which arose from the scarcity of resources in the immediate post-war period.

Despite its wit and creativity, the film met with significant controversy upon its release. Its "kabarettistic-intellectualist fairy tale" approach to a religious subject was deemed blasphemous by some conservative forces, particularly within the re-emerging Church in Germany. The resulting public outcry, which included a severe condemnation from the Munich Auxiliary Bishop, unfortunately hindered the film’s success at the box office. Nonetheless, Der Apfel ist ab was recognized artistically, earning a nomination for the Grand Prize at the 1949 International Film Festival in Cannes. Today, it is appreciated by critics as a charming, complex, and distinct cinematic jewel, reflecting the anxieties and satirical spirit of a nation finding its footing after catastrophe.

What is Good:

  • It is Very Creative: The film is unique because it uses the biblical story of Adam and Eve as a dream-like fantasy to talk about modern problems. This makes it a clever and original piece of storytelling.

  • Witty and Smart: The movie is a comedy and a satire, full of wit and a sharp look at human nature and society at the time. It doesn't take things too seriously, which was a welcome change after the war.

  • Resourceful Design: Because it was made right after the war, resources were scarce. The sets and costumes are praised for their imaginative design that came from necessity, making the film visually distinct and interesting.

  • Political Edge: Beyond the love story, the film is seen as a subtle but intelligent comment on the difficult choices and new political realities facing Germans in the late 1940s.

    What is Not So Good:

  • The Storytelling Can Be Uneven: While the idea is great, some critics felt that the direction and overall execution were "not entirely convincing." The blend of fantasy and real-life problems might not feel completely smooth or well-rounded in all parts.

  • It Caused Too Much Trouble: The film's biggest problem was not its quality but the reaction to it. Its satirical use of the Bible was seen as insulting and "blasphemous" by the Church and conservative groups. This controversy hurt its success, and many people stayed away from the cinema.

  • A Bit Too "Intellectual": Some reviews at the time suggested the film was "kabarettistic-intellectualist." This meant it relied more on smart ideas and cabaret-style wit than on emotional warmth, which might not appeal to every viewer looking for a simple, heartfelt story.
    Full Film (English subtitles)

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