Plot:
The film unfolds in five acts:
1st Act:
A foreign woman enters a bank to withdraw money, but the manager hasn’t received the authorization for the payment. The cashier is captivated by her glamour, contrasting it with his mundane life. The lady’s son tries to buy a painting from a second-hand shop. Despite returning to the bank without success, the lady goes back later. A beggar girl, seen by the cashier as a symbol of death, arrives. In a moment of desperation, he steals a significant amount of money from the bank.
2nd Act:
The cashier visits the lady’s hotel, offering her the stolen money in exchange for leaving with him. She laughs and threatens to call her son, prompting him to leave. Outside, he encounters the beggar girl once more.
3rd Act:
The bank discovers the theft, and the cashier, aware of the danger, flees in a snowstorm. The bank manager, accompanied by the police, visits the cashier’s home. A telegraphic message alerts the authorities about the fugitive cashier. He arrives in a large city, purchases elegant attire, and transforms his appearance.
4th Act:
The cashier attends a six-day bicycle race, offering a substantial sum for a special prize to buy passion. Despite the excitement, the arrival of a local prince dampens spirits. Disappointed, the cashier goes to a dance, attempting to seduce girls with his wealth. However, his efforts end in failure as one throws a drink at him, and another has a wooden leg, resembling death.
5th Act:
A man leads the cashier to a seedy pub where he plays cards, consistently winning. Threatened by another player, he is saved by a Salvation Army girl. He follows her to their premises, confessing his theft during a session. As he throws the remaining money at the attendants, chaos ensues. The Salvation Army girl tries to comfort him, but he perceives her as death. Revealing a reward for his capture, she reports him to the police. Upon their arrival, he shoots himself, concluding the film.
Directed by: Karlheinz Martin
Written by: Karlheinz Martin, Georg Kaiser
Produced by: Herbert Juttke
Starring: Ernst Deutsch, Roma Bahn, Erna Morena
Cinematography:Carl Hoffmann
Release date: 1920
Running time: 73 minutes
Country: Germany (Weimar Republic)
Languages: Silent film
German intertitles