Karl Tema
Actor
About Karl Tema
Karl Tema was an Austrian actor who appeared during the silent film era of the 1920s. His known filmography consists primarily of his role in the controversial and prescient 1924 film 'The City without Jews' (Die Stadt ohne Juden), directed by H.K. Breslauer. This film was an adaptation of Hugo Bettauer's novel and served as an early warning against rising antisemitism in Europe. Tema's participation in this historically significant film places him among the actors who contributed to Austrian cinema's socially conscious productions during the Weimar Republic period. Unfortunately, like many supporting actors from the silent era, detailed records of his career and life are scarce, making it difficult to trace his full artistic journey or determine if he appeared in other lost or undocumented films.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'The City without Jews' (1924), a historically significant Austrian silent film warning against antisemitism
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Karl Tema's contribution to cinema, while limited in scope, is tied to his participation in 'The City without Jews,' a film that has gained significant historical importance as an early cinematic warning against the dangers of antisemitism. The film's prescient depiction of what would later become reality in Europe has made it a subject of academic study and restoration efforts. Though his role may have been minor, Tema was part of a production that demonstrated cinema's potential for social commentary and political warning during a volatile period in European history.
Lasting Legacy
Karl Tema's legacy is intrinsically linked to the preservation and recognition of 'The City without Jews' as an important historical document. As the film has been rediscovered and restored by film archives, particularly after a lost copy was found in a Dutch flea market in 2015, all contributors to the production, including actors like Tema, have been acknowledged as part of this significant cultural artifact. His name appears in the restored credits, ensuring his participation in this historically important work is remembered.
Who They Inspired
Due to the limited documentation of Karl Tema's career and the apparent brevity of his film appearances, there is little evidence of direct influence on other actors or filmmakers. However, his participation in a film that dealt with themes of prejudice and social injustice contributed to the broader tradition of socially conscious European cinema that would influence later generations of filmmakers addressing similar themes.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Karl Tema's personal life, which is typical for many supporting actors from the silent film era whose records were not extensively preserved.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in 'The City without Jews' (1924), one of the earliest films to warn about the dangers of antisemitism in Europe
- The film he appeared in was based on a novel by Hugo Bettauer, who was later murdered by a Nazi party member in 1925
- His film was considered lost for decades until a complete copy was discovered at a flea market in the Netherlands in 2015
- The film he appeared in was controversial upon release and was banned in some cities
- The director of his only known film, H.K. Breslauer, was also an actor and writer
- The film featured hundreds of extras and was one of the more ambitious Austrian productions of its time
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Karl Tema?
Karl Tema was an Austrian actor from the silent film era, known primarily for his appearance in the 1924 film 'The City without Jews.' Very little is documented about his life and career beyond this single known film credit.
What film is Karl Tema best known for?
Karl Tema is known exclusively for his role in 'The City without Jews' (1924), an Austrian silent film that has gained historical significance as an early warning against antisemitism in Europe.
When was Karl Tema active in film?
Based on available records, Karl Tema was active in 1924, with his only documented film appearance being in 'The City without Jews' from that year.
What was 'The City without Jews' about?
'The City without Jews' was a controversial Austrian silent film that depicted what would happen if all Jews were expelled from Vienna. It was based on Hugo Bettauer's novel and served as a chilling prophecy of the antisemitism that would soon sweep Europe.
Why is Karl Tema's only known film historically significant?
The film is historically significant because it was one of the first cinematic works to warn against the dangers of antisemitism in Europe, prophetically depicting events that would later occur under the Nazi regime. The film's rediscovery and restoration have made it an important cultural document.
What happened to the film Karl Tema appeared in?
For decades, 'The City without Jews' was considered a lost film. However, in 2015, a complete nitrate copy was discovered at a flea market in the Netherlands and has since been restored, allowing modern audiences to see this historically important work and the contributions of actors like Karl Tema.
Learn More
Films
1 film
