Algol: Tragedy of Power

The Kemper Art Museum's Technofutures Film Series continues with director Hans Werckmeister's rarely seen parable Algol: Tragedy of Power. Algol is a coal miner who receives a visit from an alien being who passes along the secret of unlimited power. Armed with the keys to the industrial world, Algol becomes a wealthy and important man. But what about all those poor miners — what can they do when their jobs disappear overnight? Art directors Walter Reimann and Paul Scheerbart built massive sets influenced by Expressionist art, giving the film an otherworldly look. The digitally remastered version of Algol screens at 7 p.m. Monday, October 22, at the Landmark Tivoli Theatre (6350 Delmar Boulevard, University City; www.kemperartmuseum.wustl.edu). Washington University professor Diane Wei Lewis introduces the 1920 film, which is silent except for the score. Admission is free.