#crack-up

The tighter the fist, the looser the sand

Luckily, I have many recommendations!

I would start with M (1931), the film that made him famous in the role of the child-killer. This is one of those movies that I return to again and again because the storytelling feels so incredibly modern. Peter's presence, though he is not always onscreen, drives everyone's actions. His character has committed unforgivable crimes, yet he makes us feel pity for him. You will never forget this film once you've seen it.

Dr. Gogol of Mad Love (1935) could also be considered a pathetic little guy! He plays a brilliant (but mad) surgeon, obsessed with Yvonne, an actress who does not return his affections. Naturally, this drives him to kill, but not before attempting to drive Yvonne's husband mad in the process. A short, but creepy hour of fun with hints of dark sexuality.

A more lighthearted role can be found in I Was An Adventuress (1940). He plays a sweet little jewel thief and pickpocket named Polo, who gets bossed around by his fellow scam artist/associate/friend Andre at every opportunity. Its a very funny movie and Peter gets the chance to play someone completely harmless for a change. Well, apart from the fact that he just can't stop stealing things.

The Mask of Dimitrios (1944) is another delightful role for Peter, and this time he's not even a crook! He plays an innocent mystery writer whose research brings him a little too close to a hardened international criminal, and discovers much more than he bargained for. He gets a nice lead role in this one, and is very cute doing it.

Another fun one is Crack-Up (1936). This one is memorable because he makes everyone think he's just a poor little meow meow, but do not be fooled. He is actually a ruthless spy. Seeing him play both sides of this character is amazing because he makes the switch so effortlessly, and his alter ego is just so damn funny. Even the other actors look like they're trying so hard not to laugh.

And let's not forget some of his later movies! The Raven and The Comedy of Terrors, both from 1963, are very funny parodies of his "spooky little guy" screen image, plus he gets to appear with old friends Vincent Price and Boris Karloff. He suffers various indignities like turning into a raven, losing a wizard duel with Boris Karloff, and breaking into a house only to knock over a statue, which sends a dozen more statues tumbling down the stairs like dominoes. I like to watch these movies every Halloween and they still make me laugh. :D

Peter Lorre

Peter Lorre as "Colonel Gimpy" aka Baron Rudolf Maximilian Taggart

Can you be slow for a little while?

Widow your soul for another mile?

I'm just the same as when

You saw me back then

And we're bound to be reconciled