The film M by Fritz Lang

The last DVD I watched was M by Fritz Lang.

This film is a black and white film with dialogue in German, but English subtitles.
What I liked about it was that I was watching a noir type film. The scenes were artistically filmed and the whole film had a Hitchcock-like air about it. Also, there were funny bits in it, although it is supposed to be a crime thriller.

The plot revolves around a serial child murderer named Hans Beckert. He is portrayed by Peter Lorre, a man with wild eyes that open so wide that you can see all of the pupil and the whites all around. The police are scouring the town and conducting extensive raids in search of the murderer. The increased police raids disturb the underworld. They too are against the serial murderer, whom they believe is spoiling their reputation as honorable theives and crooks. As a result, they have decided to take the matter in their own hands and use their network of beggars to help find the murderer.

Ultimately the beggars network successfully identifies the murderer by his characteristic whistle. His coat is "branded" with the letter 'M' for murderer, so that they don't lose sight of him. The underworld wants to bring him to justice and try Hans, but eventually the police come on the scene and interrupt the proceedings. The last scene in the film is in a courtroom with the camera focusing on a weeping mother in mourning, who says that everyone should all pay closer attention to their children.

Bottom line: This film is a good way to pass approx. 1.5 hours.