Bath Film Festival 2007

The Last Laugh (Der Letzte Mann)

One of the most remarkable films to have been produced in Germany during the silent era, The Last Laugh tells the simple story of an elderly hotel doorman who is demoted to the post of lavatory attendant, and of the shame and humiliation he suffers before his fortunes are surprisingly reversed again. The direct and vivid treatment, the stunning set designs and the amazing cinematography all give the film a vibrant feel that belies its true age. Shot entirely in a studio, the evocation of the busy city that forms the backdrop was an enormous challenge. Murnau made the celebrated Nosferatu two years earlier; three years later he went to America and directed the acclaimed Sunrise. Lead actor Emil Jannings appeared in several of Murnau’s films; many consider this to be his finest performance.

John Law is a jazz pianist of enormous versatility and innovation; his career spans two decades and the 25 CDs he has released in that time are a testament to his commitment and creativity. In 2004 he wrote and performed a score for South, Frank Hurley’s film of Shackleton’s 1914 expedition to the South Pole. His score for The Last Laugh will be for jazz trio of piano, saxophones and percussion. AG

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