A Daughter Of Destiny
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64% Critic Match

A Daughter Of Destiny

6.4 / 10 1928 2h 11mNR German
DramaFantasyScience FictionHorror

Storyline

Hanns Heinz Ewers' grim science-fiction novel Alraune has already been filmed twice when this version was assembled in 1928. In another of his "mad doctor" roles, Paul Wegener plays Professor Brinken, sociopathic scientist who combines the genes of an executed murderer with those of a prostitute. The result is a beautiful young woman named Alraune (Brigitte Helm), who is incapable of feeling any real emotions -- least of all guilt or regret. Upon attaining adulthood, Alraune sets about to seduce and destroy every male who crosses her path. Ultimately, Professor Brinken is hoist on his own petard when he falls hopelessly in love with Alraune himself. Alraune was remade in 1930, with Brigitte Helm repeating her role, and again in 1951, with Hildegarde Knef as the "heroine" and Erich von Stroheim as her misguided mentor.

Cast & Crew

Brigitte Helm

Brigitte Helm

Alraune ten Brinken

Lead
Paul Wegener

Paul Wegener

Professor ten Brinken

Iván Petrovich

Iván Petrovich

Franz Braun

Mia Pankau

Mia Pankau

Prostitute

Valeska Gert

Valeska Gert

Girl in Alley

Wolfgang Zilzer

Wolfgang Zilzer

Wölfchen

Louis Ralph

Louis Ralph

Magician

HT

Hans Trautner

Trainer

What People Are Saying

4.0
A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Henrik Galeen's vision lands with breathtaking precision.
Manohla Dargis, The New York Times
3.0
Every frame feels alive. A Daughter Of Destiny is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.
Anthony Lane, The New Yorker