Klein-Rogge in the role of the Rechnungsrat
Again up against Emil Jannings, Rudolf this time holds his own, though briefly, to Jannings' Dr. Koch. At one point, they nearly come to shouting as the doctor is increasingly frustrated with Rudolf's demands. Robert Koch is working as fast as he can, and if the Rechnungsrat cannot be satisfied, then Koch will go elsewhere.
This is the only film of Klein-Rogge's trilogy with Jannings that allowed him to cinematically butt heads with his more politically-favored rival. With old-time heavy Werner Krauss also being in the film, this film is a melting pot for all the great villain actors of the silent days.
Note: I cannot help but be shocked every time I watch this film, because of the bad state of repair Rudolf is in. It is so sad to see him losing so much of that power he had in his golden days, and the very look in his eye in his opening shot seems to convey that same gray feeling.
