There are two very remarkable people in "Die Mädchen Ohne Vaterland" ( The Girl Without Fatherland ) (1912), making it a highly regarded film by this German count; one is Frau Asta Nielsen ( putting women first, an ancient aristocratic custom ), and the other, director Herr Urban Gad.
These important names in early silent film history did their best in order to lay the foundations of what we now call "modern cinema", although this may at first appear to be a contradiction.
Herr Urban Gad's films were astounding considering the primitive film the new invention had in such an early time. The Danish film director had a fluent film narrative in where outdoor sceneries were a very important part for the story ( it wasn't common practice at that time that directors would move lock, stock, and barrel outside the primitive settings ). Because of careful art direction and skillful use of the camera, Herr Urban Gad's pictures were far ahead of their time in comparison with the typical theatrical and static pictures of the period.
And what can this Herr Graf say about Frau Asta Nielsen??... it is not necessary to say too much about the Danish actress, ja wohl!... you only have to watch her performance in this film to comprehend what is both modern and cinematographic acting. Frau Nielsen's natural resourcefulness and brilliant performances continues to surprise audiences a century afterwards; shining here in this film about spying, treason, military secrets, or the perils of being seduced by a gypsy.
And now, if you'll allow me, I must temporarily take my leave because this German Count must sacrifice himself for his fatherland, bowing down before gypsy charms.
Herr Graf Ferdinand Von Galitzien http://ferdinandvongalitzien.blogspot.com/