Murnau breaks pace and goes light. Initially I was overwhelmed by the sheer variety of characters and disappointed in the apparently drab presentation, but this is a film that defies its own first impressions. The characters are put through a number of amusing scenarios, and they're all tied together into a neatly done finale. It doesn't take long for Murnau to work his visual magic, and though it's no Faust or Nosferatu, there are a number of innovative and generally great shots.

All rather complicated and hard to follow (for one raised in the sound era anyway). There were a few laughs scattered throughout (and a couple of very nice shots, even one POV on a boat), but otherwise the whole business seemed a bit plodding and perfunctory.