Fritz Lang films crackle at Cinematheque’s Aero

Fritz Lang: Master of Darkness. That’s the American Cinematheque’s nickname for the great director, who had a potent career in Hollywood after he arrived from Germany in 1934. The Cinematheque’s Aero Theatre is hosting a tribute to Lang this weekend, and it’s an excellent opportunity to catch up on some of the director’s finest work, starting Thursday with the Edward G. Robinson-Joan Bennett “Scarlet Street” (based on Jean Renoir’s “La Chienne”) and the World War II-themed “Hangmen Also Die!”

Friday night showcases Lee Marvin at his most intense in the gangster epic “The Big Heat” and the love triangle “Clash by Night” starring Barbara Stanwyck. The weekend features some of Lang’s most famous German films, including “M” and “The Testament of Dr. Mabuse” on Saturday and the epic “Metropolis” on Sunday. Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Ave., Santa Monica; (323) 466-3456