• A brightly lit hallway lined with red numbered mailboxes or storage lockers on both sides. The walls, drawers, and lighting fixtures are all red, creating a striking monochromatic design. The polished floor reflects the light, and a white desk is visible on the left side near the entrance.
The Waxworks cast and crew relax with friends and colleagues on the film's carousel set. Paul Leni is seated fourth from left, facing the camera. From L-R: Wilhelm (William) Dieterle, Ali Hubert, E. A. Dupont, Leni, Fritz Maurischat, John Gottowt, Lore Sello, Leo Birinski. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

The Life and Career of Paul Leni

by Erica Tortolani and Martin Norden Silent-era film director Paul Leni was at the forefront of German filmmakers whose stylistically daring and narratively innovative productions garnered international acclaim and who found themselves heavily recruited by Hollywood studios during the 1920s.…