Asphalt (1929 film)

Asphalt is a 1929 German silent film directed by Joe May. It is a prominent example of late Weimar cinema, noted for its expressionistic style and exploration of moral ambiguity. The film tells the story of a young police officer, Albert Holk, who falls for a seductive jewel thief, Else Kramer.

The plot revolves around Holk's initial arrest of Kramer, which leads to a complex relationship. Kramer initially attempts to seduce Holk to escape justice. However, Holk, initially a naive and upright officer, becomes increasingly infatuated with her. This leads him to question his moral compass and ultimately compromise his duties.

The film is visually striking, making use of dramatic lighting and innovative camerawork to convey the characters' inner turmoil and the gritty urban atmosphere of Berlin. Asphalt is considered a significant work of German Expressionism and a precursor to film noir. Its themes of temptation, corruption, and the blurring lines between right and wrong are central to the film's enduring appeal. The film stars Gustav Fröhlich as Albert Holk and Betty Amann as Else Kramer.