Dr. Mabuse, the Gambler is a silent German film from 1922 and is considered a masterpiece of German expressionist filmmaking. It was directed by Fritz Lang and starred Rudolf Klein-Rogge as the titular character, Dr. Mabuse.
The film is split into two parts, with a total runtime of four-and-a-half hours. In the first part, we see Dr. Mabuse using his powers of disguise and hypnosis to manipulate the stock market and win millions of marks. He is also shown to be a master criminal, working with a gang of accomplices to carry out robberies and blackmail schemes.
Meanwhile, Detective Wenk (played by Bernhard Goetzke) is hot on Mabuse's trail, determined to bring him to justice. Wenk is a classic detective character, with a keen eye for detail and a no-nonsense attitude towards crime.
In the second part of the film, Dr. Mabuse has set his sights on running Berlin and is working to manipulate the upcoming elections. Once again, Wenk is working tirelessly to stop him, leading to a thrilling climax as the two men face off in a final showdown.
The film is notable for its innovative use of special effects and camera techniques, as well as its depiction of the decadence and corruption of Weimar-era Germany. It has had a significant influence on later filmmakers, particularly in the areas of crime and thriller films.