Hans Homma

Actor

Active: 1924

About Hans Homma

Hans Homma was an Austrian actor during the silent film era, best known for his appearance in the 1924 psychological horror film 'The Hands of Orlac' (Orlacs Hände). His career appears to have been brief, with his only documented film credit being this notable Austrian production directed by Robert Wiene. The film itself was a significant work of German Expressionist cinema, starring Conrad Veidt and Alexandra Sorina. Homma's role in the film, while not the lead, placed him among the cast of what would become an influential horror classic of the silent era. Like many supporting actors of this period, detailed documentation of his life and career remains limited, with film historians having little information about actors who didn't achieve leading status. His participation in this important film represents his sole known contribution to classic cinema.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in 'The Hands of Orlac' (1924), a landmark German Expressionist horror film

Best Known For

Iconic Roles

  • Supporting role in 'The Hands of Orlac'

Must-See Films

  • The Hands of Orlac (1924)

Working Relationships

Worked Often With

  • Robert Wiene (director)

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Hans Homma's cultural impact is primarily tied to his participation in 'The Hands of Orlac,' which became an influential film in the horror genre and German Expressionist cinema. While his individual contribution was minor compared to the film's stars, he was part of a production that influenced countless future horror films and directors. The film itself has been referenced and studied extensively by film scholars, making even its supporting cast members historically significant as contributors to this important work of cinema history.

Lasting Legacy

Hans Homma's legacy exists primarily through his association with one of the most important horror films of the silent era. While his personal career was brief and largely undocumented, his participation in 'The Hands of Orlac' ensures his place in film history as a contributor to German Expressionist cinema. The film has been preserved and studied for decades, meaning Homma's work, however small, continues to be viewed by new generations of film enthusiasts and scholars interested in the origins of horror cinema.

Who They Inspired

As a supporting actor with only one known film credit, Hans Homma's direct influence on other actors or filmmakers is not documented. However, his participation in 'The Hands of Orlac' contributed to a film that has influenced generations of horror filmmakers and actors who studied or were inspired by German Expressionist cinema techniques and storytelling.

Off Screen

Very little is documented about Hans Homma's personal life, which is typical for supporting actors from the silent era who did not achieve lasting fame.

Did You Know?

  • 'The Hands of Orlac' was his only known film appearance
  • The film he appeared in was directed by Robert Wiene, who also directed 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari'
  • The film was based on a novel by Maurice Renard
  • Like many silent era supporting actors, detailed biographical information about Homma has been lost to time
  • The film has been preserved and restored multiple times, ensuring Homma's performance survives for modern audiences

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Hans Homma?

Hans Homma was an Austrian actor from the silent film era, known exclusively for his appearance in the 1924 psychological horror film 'The Hands of Orlac.' His career appears to have been very brief, with this being his only documented film credit.

What films is Hans Homma best known for?

Hans Homma is known only for 'The Hands of Orlac' (1924), an influential Austrian silent horror film directed by Robert Wiene and starring Conrad Veidt. The film is considered a classic of German Expressionist cinema.

When was Hans Homma born and when did he die?

Specific birth and death dates for Hans Homma are not documented in available historical records, which is common for supporting actors from the silent era who did not achieve lasting fame.

What awards did Hans Homma win?

There are no documented awards or nominations for Hans Homma, which is typical for supporting actors from the silent era, particularly those with very brief film careers.

What was Hans Homma's acting style?

Specific details about Hans Homma's acting style are not documented in available sources. As a supporting actor in a German Expressionist film, he likely employed the exaggerated gestures and dramatic expressions characteristic of that cinematic movement.

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Films

1 film