Fritz Langs Metropolis (1927) is a defining film of the silent era and science fiction genre. But the work of the films

still photographer Horst von Harbou has remained obscure. Von Harbou, brother of Thea von Harbou, Langs then wife

and coscreenwriter of Metropolis, photographed filmed scenes as well as offcamera action, and made an album of

thirtyfive photographs which he gave to the films young star Brigitte Helm. The book Metropolis is a careful reconstruction

of this album, showing the photographs and some of their backsides which feature hand-written notes. Von

Harbous photographs not only offer a rare insight into Langs film, but have been crucial in reconstructing missing

scenes from it.