Diary of a Lost Girl

Thymian Henning is a sheltered young woman who seems to have her whole life ahead of her until a brutal act shatters that illusion. A shop clerk takes advantage of her trust and she is left with an unwanted pregnancy. What follows is not only personal pain but a chorus of judgment from family and neighbors, who turn away at the first sign of trouble. With little protection, money, or support, Thymian must contend with poverty, exploitation, and a society that blames the victim rather than listening to her side of the story. The film follows her attempts to survive in a world that treats her humanity as a problem to be solved rather than a life to be respected.

Directed by G W Pabst in 1929, this silent drama adapts Margarete Böhme's novel about a young woman's ordeal. Louise Brooks delivers a defining performance as Thymian, and the film helped establish Pabst's reputation for sharp social observation and bold visual storytelling that conveys emotion without dialogue.

Diary of a Lost Girl is often cited as a touchstone of Weimar cinema thanks to Louise Brooks' bold screen presence and Pabst's stark, intimate framing. The film's unflinching look at female autonomy and social stigma helped influence later filmmakers and linger in film history, inspiring discussions on gender, censorship, and narrative voice.

Critics have long noted the film for confronting harsh social judgments and the fragility of a young woman's reputation. The narrative foregrounds resilience amid stigma, exploring themes of autonomy, dignity, and the limits of mercy in a world that often blames the victim, with occasional controversy over its explicit subject matter.

Box office data from the era is not readily available, and modern tallies are scarce for this silent era drama, making precise figures hard to verify.