Authorities in Stahnsdorf, Germany aren’t sure what to make of long-deceased silent film director F.W. Murnau’s missing head.
The skull of the famed 6’11 filmmaker was reported stolen from his family plot earlier this month, according to Variety. Wax residue was found near the disrupted gravesite. Authorities believe the wax may be from candles lit during a possible cult ceremony.
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Murnau, who was best known work for his 1922 vampire film Nosferatu, died in a car accident in Santa Barbara in 1931. He was 42 at the time. One of Old Hollywood’s longest-standing rumors — never substantiated — suggests that he died while performing fellatio on a young Filipino man who was driving his car when it crashed into an electric pole.
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The recent theft isn’t the first time Murnau’s head has been the object of people’s fascination. According to Hollywood legend, after he died, screen siren Greta Garbo commissioned a death mask of Murnau’s face, which she kept on her desk.
Cemetery overseers say they are now trying to decide whether to seal Murnau’s grave or move his remains to a different site altogether. They also said this isn’t the first time people has disturbed the filmmaker’s tomb.
Authorities in Stahnsdorf are asking anyone who may have any information on the missing head to please contact them immediately.
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Greg Wallin
ew! who’d want a severed head on their mantle?
Glücklich
Shit! This problem is rearing its ugly head again (no pun intended)? The new twist being necrophilia! What’s happening in our world? Thank god a law was passed some time ago.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Btw1eh4mitQ
Tobi
How many times does Kenneth Anger have to be told about souvenir collecting? 😉
McShane
Yeah, getting head while driving is awesome.
@Glücklich: OMG! It took me an embarrassing amount of time before I saw the onion logo. Skull f*cking epidemic, LMAO. Totally my new favorite video.
Ladbrook
Dang. Strange days. This story reads like something out of a Maupin book, with either Michael or Mary Ann unknowingly playing a part in the theft. 😉
Laurent LeMagnifique
Oh dear. : (
dvlaries
Nosferatu was and remains great, but Murnau’s crown jewel will always be Sunrise.
dre23222
@McShane: I bet you like some good head. I need to meet you:-)
greybat
@dvlaries: So true! The closest thing to a perfectly-made Motion Picture.
Transiteer
Best reason I’ve heard lately, for being turned to ash. Seems safer post-mortem.
Chris-MI
There was some insane voodoo priestess a few years back who was stealing bones from graves for spells and ceremonies. She had altars set up in her basement where she “fed” the remains. Also, the various ghosts were supposed to have specialities. I guess Nosferatu would be a useful skill.