The massive, two-part crime melodrama, introducing the raving mastermind/extortionist/villain to the world. The film follows Dr. Mabuse (Klein-Rogge) through his life of crime until he finally goes mad. Highly influential and inventive. Lang meant this to be a criticism of morally bankrupt post-WWI Germany. Lang also directed "The Crimes of Dr. Mabuse" (1932) and "The Thousand Eyes of Dr. Mabuse" (1960).