Das indische Grabmal erster Teil - Die Sendung des Yoghi

"The Indian Tomb" in two parts 1921 Mysteries of India, Part I: Truth Mysteries of India, Part II: Above All Law

It is based on the 1918 novel Das indische Grabmal by Thea von Harbou (27 December 1888 - 1 July 1954). You remember Thea the author of Metropolis (1927).

This silent movie scenario by Fritz Lang and Thea von Harbou and directed by Joe May. Filmed in May-Film-Gelände, Woltersdorf bei Erkner, Brandenburg, Germany.

Originally titled "Das indische Grabmal zweiter Teil - Der Tiger von Eschnapur"

"The Indian Tomb," asks in all ages of the mysterious magic forces that are special to the Indian penitents -- Yogis. Laws of nature do not apply to the Yogi in the ecstasy of willpower, and it is said that he can even conquer death. The Indian penitent aspires to achieve nirvana, the state of complete surrender. To achieve the highest purity by dead-ending all senses, the Yogis have themselves buried alive. If the Yogi is revived from this sleep of death, he must fulfill his awakener's deepest wish, to convince him of the futility of all worldly desires.

Yep Prince Ayan III, The Maharajah of Bengal (Conrad Veidt) does the deed. With a little help, he revives a Yogi (Bernhard Goetzke) and then tells the yogi where to go.

I cannot tell the plot without giving away the suspense; so fade from this review to the movie. Now watch as it unfolds.

I can say at a pivotal moment(s) of understanding the background music turns from innocuous to Wagnerian.

Just a side note the movie is filled with learned men without libraries with one exception of Professor Leyden (Hermann Picha), the Orientalist. We get to see all kinds of gadgets in the execution of the story such as a wireless transmitter, the latest aircraft, and more. If you like to see Leni Riefenstahl in her mountain movies, you will not be disappointed in this one.

It is over way too soon.