This Day in History: 1927-01-10

 Metropolis,  a dystopian science fiction film by  Fritz Lang,  is released on this day in Germany in  1927.  A classic of the German expressionist movement, the film concerns the struggle between rich and poor, and the idea that compassion must overcome stereotypes and class hatred. Lang was among the many artists, writers and scientists who were forced to flee Nazi Germany in the 1930s due to persecution.  His Hollywood career was also considered brilliant, if ahead of the times, and many of Lang’s American films are examples of the Film Noir genre.  These include Lang’s 1945 film Scarlet Street  and his 1953 police drama The Big Heat.