According to the Wiki page for the film, Schigolch was her first 'patron'. So her saying he was her father was probably to get out of a jam. I have never seen the film (not a fan of silent films/movies).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandora%27s_Box_(1929_film)#Plot

That's what's confusing, and that viewers long haven't felt sure what to make of, as she refers to him as her first patron at one point, but as her father later on when things are dicey. I've long felt on the fence about which he really is as I wouldn't put anything past either one of them.

Whatever the case, Schigolch is a creepy old man, who's not someone anyone would feel proud, or eager, to identify as their father.

Well in the original play, he was her 'alleged' father, the second says, he was her first patron & maybe her father? Since I haven't seen the film & you have, after reading the plots of the originals, how much does it match up with the original plays?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_Spirit_(play)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandora%27s_Box_(play)

I haven't seen the movie in a few years, so am rusty on overall story details at this point, but am about to order the Kino DVD of the film, and will be watching it some week soonish for a refresher.

I again got wondering about the Schigolch question while putting together my Louise Brooks tribute thread.

@genplant29 said:

So, is Schigolch Lulu's father, or does she that one time just say that he is, to get herself out of a jam? I've never been at all clear on that.

..see also..

When I saw it - a long, long time ago - Schigolch was described in the cast list as someone who posed as Lulu's father to exploit her. So I never thought of him as her father.

He's quite a character, for sure.