Paul Leni
Paul Leni (1885–1929) was a German director, art director, and graphic artist who began his career as a set designer for Max Reinhardt's theatre before turning to direction in German Expressionist cinema. His best-known German feature Waxworks brought him to international attention, and he subsequently moved to Hollywood, where he directed a small but influential body of horror and mystery features before his early death at forty-four. His acclaimed films include Backstairs, Waxworks, The Cat and the Canary, The Chinese Parrot, The Man Who Laughs, and The Last Warning.