Lucrezia Borgia (1922)
A gripping German silent film plunging into the murderous intrigues of the Borgia dynasty, brought to life by an extraordinary cast.
Lucrezia Borgia - Movie Information
- Original Title: Lucrezia Borgia
- Release Year: 1922
- Directed by: Richard Oswald
- Type: Movie
- Runtime: 1h 36m
- Original Language: German
- Spoken Languages: No Language
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 20, 1922 (Germany), December 21, 1928 (United States)
Lucrezia Borgia - Plot
Rodrigo Borgia, Pope Alexander VI, has three adult children: Juan, who is virtuous and has a sweetheart who is a woman of the people, Lucrezia, who is virtuous and wants to marry Alfonso, and Cesare, who is wicked and lusts after Lucrezia, Juan's girlfriend, and probably others. Cesare has vowed to kill any suitor for Lucrezia's love, and he has three thugs to carry out his wishes. Bodies fall into the Tiber, into the Colosseum (with lions prowling), and onto the Vatican floors.
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Lucrezia Borgia - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Richard Oswald
Main Cast
- Conrad Veidt
- Liane Haid
- Albert Bassermann
- Paul Wegener
- Heinrich George
- Adolf E. Licho
- William Dieterle
- Lothar Müthel
- Alphons Fryland
- Käte Oswald
Writers
- Richard Oswald
Lucrezia Borgia - FAQs
What is Lucrezia Borgia (1922) about?
Lucrezia Borgia follows the treacherous world of the infamous Borgia family in Renaissance Italy. At its center is the villainous Cesare Borgia, who schemes and murders to control his sister Lucrezia's fate and satisfy his own dark ambitions, while bodies pile up across Rome's most iconic landmarks.
Who plays Cesare Borgia in the 1922 film?
Conrad Veidt takes on the role of the menacing Cesare Borgia. Veidt was already one of German Expressionist cinema's most magnetic screen presences, and his portrayal of the scheming, murderous Cesare is widely considered one of the film's greatest strengths.
Where can you watch Lucrezia Borgia (1922)?
You can find streaming and viewing options for Lucrezia Borgia on JustWatch, which lists all available platforms in your region. As a century-old silent film, availability may vary, so checking JustWatch is the easiest way to track down a current option.
Is Lucrezia Borgia (1922) based on a true story?
Yes, the film draws on the real history of the Borgia family, one of the most notorious dynasties of Renaissance Italy. Pope Alexander VI, Cesare, and Lucrezia Borgia were genuine historical figures whose lives were steeped in political intrigue, scandal, and violence, though the film takes dramatic liberties.
Who directed Lucrezia Borgia (1922)?
Richard Oswald directed the film. A prolific figure in early German cinema, Oswald also wrote the screenplay. He was known for tackling bold, often sensational subjects, and Lucrezia Borgia showcases his flair for historical spectacle and dark dramatic storytelling.
Who are the main cast members in Lucrezia Borgia?
The film boasts a remarkable ensemble. Conrad Veidt stars as Cesare Borgia, Liane Haid plays Lucrezia, Albert Bassermann portrays Pope Alexander VI, and Paul Wegener appears as the enforcer Micheletto. William Dieterle, who later became a celebrated Hollywood director, also appears in the cast.
How was Lucrezia Borgia (1922) received by critics?
The film is regarded as a notable example of the Weimar-era German silent cinema tradition. Critics and film historians particularly praise Conrad Veidt's commanding performance and the cinematography by Karl Freund, who went on to become one of Hollywood's most celebrated directors of photography.
Who was the cinematographer for Lucrezia Borgia (1922)?
The film was shot by Károly Vass and Karl Freund. Freund in particular became legendary in cinema history, later working on Metropolis and Dracula. His visual contributions to Lucrezia Borgia reflect the atmospheric, shadow-rich style that defined the best of German silent filmmaking.
More About Lucrezia Borgia
Explore further details about this 1922 silent classic on these authoritative resources.