German-born scenarist Curt Siodmak, who also directed several minor movies, distinguished himself writing scripts for imaginative horror pics, as well as visionary science fiction films. The young man from Dresden, with a doctorate in mathematics, came to Berlin, found work as a reporter and, as an extra, became the only journalist with access to Fritz Lang's closed of "Metropolis" (1927). His story (expanded by friend Billy Wilder) was the inspiration for "People on Sunday" (1929), one of the last notable German silents. The film, directed by brother Robert (in association with Edgar Ulmer),
While a reporter, hired as an extra on Fritz Lang's "Metropolis", becoming the only journalist to see the closed set
1929
Began film career as co-scripter (with Billy Wilder) of "People on Sunday", co-directed by his brother Robert and Edgar Ulmer; future Hollywood luminaries Fred Zinnemann and Eugene Schuftan also involved in collaboration
1933
Left Germany for France, then England
1934
Brother Robert directed "The Depression Is Over" (in France), based on his novel
1937
Last novel in German, "Die Macht in Dunklen/The Power in the Dark", published in Switzerland; foresaw Nazi invasion of Poland
