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Poster for The Hands of Orlac

The Hands of Orlac

Seen it?

1924 | 98 min | Horror, Thriller, Mystery

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (91% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing and horror fans. If you loved Carnival of Souls or Peeping Tom, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Scary.
The pace
Fast-moving, at 1 hr 38 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in German, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Made in 1924: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

A world-famous pianist loses both hands in an accident. When new hands are grafted on, he is horrified to learn they once belonged to a murderer.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    91% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.9 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerSolid

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 15K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Robert Wiene

  • Conrad VeidtPaul Orlac
  • Alexandra SorinaYvonne Orlac
  • Fritz StrassnyVater Orlac
  • Paul AskonasDiener
  • Carmen CartellieriRegine
  • Hans HommaDr. Serral
  • Fritz KortnerNera