Pandora's Box is loosely adapted from two Wedekind plays comprising the “Lulu” tragedy. The story deals with a woman who burns everyone who comes under her spell, but who falls victim, as a Soho prostitute, to Jack the Ripper. Under Pabst's direction, the film is a masterpiece of atmosphere, camera movement, and editing: it is also one of the most sexually charged films ever made, largely due to the incendiary performance of American actress Louise Brooks, whose profound talents were discovered by Pabst, and whose genius has always been legendary in Europe.

German historian Lotte Eisner notes: “Nobody has ever equalled Pabst's portrayal of the back-stage fever on the opening night of a big show, the hurrying and scurrying during the scene changes, the stage seen from the wings as the performers go on and off and bound forward to acknowledge their applause at the end of their act, the rivalry, complacency, and humour, the bewildering bustle of stage hands and electricians - a stupendous whirl of artistic aspirations, colorful detail, and facile eroticism.... Pabst directs all this turmoil with remarkable dexterity; everything has been worked out in advance; at precisely calculated intervals a few figures cross in front of or behind a main group, giving an impression of effervescence and dynamism....”