• A green field with a hedge in the left background. The field is covered with thin, eerie mist.
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.…