F. W. Murnau Friedrich Wilhelm `` F. W. '' Murnau ( born Friedrich Wilhelm Plumpe ; December 28 , 1888March 11 , 1931 ) was a German film director .
F. W. Murnau Friedrich Wilhelm `` F. W. '' Murnau ( 28 December 1888 -- 11 March 1931 ) was a German movie director .