The fundamental morbidity of the German people and their fondness for seeing it portrayed in literature and drama is strikingly brought out in that much discussed picture "M" which has at last reached Boston and the Fine Arts Theatre. It is inconceivable that such a piece of work could have been done by a Frenchman or an Italian; only a German could produce a film which does not have one single light touch to relieve its grimness from beginning to end. Despite this pre-occupation with the ultra-Micawber "A" is a picture arresting and unusual 'a its theme, splendidly photographed, and with acting that is always distinguished and even approaches genius.

It is based on the famous Dusseldorf murders of a few years ago, when a madman managed to kill eight children before he was apprehended, and a certain grim note is added to the picture by the knowledge that it is not a fictional account. The murderer is obviously a sexual pervert, a fact that is brought out beautifully and skillfully--who finds himself ruled by an insatiable desire to murder small children. In satisfying his passion he terrorizes the city: the police unable to find him, take to rounding up the underworld: whereupon gangland sets out to get the murderer in order to save themselves. They succeed and give him a mock trial, but before they can kill him the police rush in and the picture ends on a weak note.

Peter Morre, the murderer, possesses an extraordinarily sensitive and mobile face, which, combined with acting that is really inspired, makes his interpretation of the role one of the most subtle and penetrating within memory. Every nuance of feeling is brought out with just the right degree of force. The minor characters, who are innumerable, are almost without exception excellent. The photography makes use of a realistic technic that is yet to be seen in this country and that is amazingly effective.