F. W. Murnau's earliest surviving directed movie was released a few short months before "The Haunted Castle" in January 1921's "Journey Into The Night." Murnau was fascinated during this period of his career with storylines of infidelity and murder. In "Journey," a straight-laced recently-engaged doctor dumps his fiancee for a cabaret dancer. He and Lily, the dancer, hitch up and move to the country, meeting a blind painter, played by Conrad Veidt (known for his sinister role of Major Strasser in 1942's 'Casablanca'). The artist's blindness is cured by the doctor. But when the doctor journeys to see his distraught ex-fiancee, Lily and the painter begin an affair, soon discovered by the returning husband. Sparks then appear like fireflies in a darkened night.
"Journey of The Night" is not typical of Murnau's later films, but it contains notes of what the director will synthesize in the next year, beginning a memorable string of movies.
"Journey of The Night" is not typical of Murnau's later films, but it contains notes of what the director will synthesize in the next year, beginning a memorable string of movies.