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.