Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator

Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1935 Vision of Albert Herman
As a cultural artifact of the 1935s, What Price Crime provides the visionary mind of its creator, Albert Herman. With its avant-garde structure and atmospheric tension, it redefined what audiences could expect from a Romance experience.
In What Price Crime, Albert Herman pushes the boundaries of conventional narrative. The film's unique approach to its subject matter has sparked endless debates and interpretations among cinephiles and critics alike.
In this work, Albert Herman explores the intersection of Romance and United States cultural identity. The meticulous attention to detail suggests a deep-seated commitment to pushing the boundaries of the medium, ensuring that What Price Crime remains a relevant topic of study for Romance enthusiasts.
| Cinematography | Static |
| Soundtrack | Diegetic |
| Editing | Elliptical |
| Art Direction | Expressionist |
Visualizing the convergence of Albert Herman's style and the core Romance narrative.
Thieves break into a warehouse that stores guns, steal them and kill the night watchman. An undercover agent assigned to the case happens to get into a traffic accident with the sister of the man the police suspect is head of the burglary ring, and in order to work his way into the gang, he romances the boss' sister. Complications ensue when the two fall in love.
Decades after its release, What Price Crime remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Albert Herman's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.