M (1931)

M M – Eine Stadt sucht einen Mörder Movie Poster Country Germany (Weimar Republic) Directed by Fritz Lang Release Date May 11, 1931 Language German Studio Nero-Film A.G. Distributor Vereinigte Star-Film GmbH Main Cast Character Actor Hans Beckert, M Peter Lorre Inspector Karl Lohmann Otto Wernicke Der Schränker (The Safecracker) Gustaf Gründgens Inspector Groeber Theodor Loos Franz, the burglar Friedrich Gnaß Elsie Beckmann Inge Landgut

M is a 1931 crime film directed by famed German filmmaker Fritz Lang (Metropolis, You Only Live Once, The Big Heat) and was the star-making turn for actor Peter Lorre, who plays a compulsive child killer. The crime film is about a child murderer who is wreaking havoc in a big city. The murders lead to fear among parents and distrust among residents. The organized criminals dislike the fact that the police have increased their vigilance. Therefore, not only the police but also the underworld hunts the murderer. In addition to the crime story, the film also contains comic scenes and a discussion on how to deal with serious criminals.

For director Fritz Lang, the film was another highlight of his career in Germany. Lorre had his first major role, which made him widely known. Both left Nazi Germany after 1933 to continue working in America. M became a classic, remade in 1951 and 2019.

The following weapons were used in the film M:

Pistols

Dreyse 1907

During a raid on an underground nightspot whilst searching for the killer, the Berlin police confiscate a variety of automatic handguns from the different criminals they arrest. These range from large handguns to small pocket-size ones. Most of them are Dreyse Model 1907 pistols.

Dreyse 1907 - 7.65mm Browning

4 Dreyse pistols are seen among the pile.

Mauser M1914

A Mauser 1914 Pocket Pistol is seen among the other firearms. Der Schränker (Gustaf Gründgens) is also seen using one.

Taschenpistole Mauser 1910 - .32 acp

The Mauser Pistol is seen among the pile.

Der Schränker (Gustaf Gründgens), disguised as a policeman, points his Mauser 1914 Pocket Pistol at a night watchman.

FN Model 1910

A FN Model 1910 can be seen at the bottom right-hand corner of the gun pile.

FN Model 1910 .380 ACP

The FN 1910 is seen in the bottom right hand corner.

Gerstenberger & Eberwein EM-GE Model 3

A Gerstenberger & Eberwein EM-GE Model 3 blank firing pistol is seen in the gun pile during the police raid.

Gerstenberger & Eberwein pre-1939 EM-GE Model 3 Starter Pistol

Several guns in a pile on a table during police inventory.

Percussion Dueling Pistol

What appear to be two Percussion Dueling Pistols are seen displayed in Der Schränker's (Gustaf Gründgens) Berlin apartment.

Mang in Graz Match Percussion Dueling Pistol - .38 inch

The pistols mounted on Der Schränker's wall by the window.

Revolvers

Velo-Dog

Two Belgian Velo-Dog revolvers are seen in the gun pile during the police raid.

J.G.A Hammerless Revolver, similar to a Velo-Dog Revolver - 6.75 mm Browning

A standard Velo-Dog is on top of the FN 1910, and another pearl-handled one is to the center-left.

Webley RIC

A Webley RIC revolver is seen being added to the gun table. Based on the octagonal barrel, muzzle ring, and size of the gun in relation to others, it is likely a 9mm German copy of a RIC.

Webley RIC - .442 Webley

The policemen inspects the revolver he just found.

A large revolver having just been added to the top of the pile.

Adams Revolver

An Adams revolver is seen in the gun pile during the police raid.

Adams Mk II revolver - .450 Adams

The Adams, with the hexagonal barrel and lanyard loop grip, is in the center under the Mauser M1914.