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The Man Who Laughs (1928)
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Overview
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Director:
Writers:
Release Date:
4 November 1928 (USA)
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Plot:
Gwynplaine, son of Lord Clancharlie, has a permanent smile carved on his face by the King, in revenge for Gwynplaine's father's treachery...
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NewsDesk:
(5 articles)
Is This Guy The Original Inspiration for Batman's Joker?
(From Cinematical. 26 March 2009, 10:02 AM, PDT)
Feature: Puddy In Their Hands - Ten Old Movie Makeup Jobs That Hold Up, Part I
(From IFC. 30 October 2008, 9:35 AM, PDT)
(From Cinematical. 26 March 2009, 10:02 AM, PDT)
Feature: Puddy In Their Hands - Ten Old Movie Makeup Jobs That Hold Up, Part I
(From IFC. 30 October 2008, 9:35 AM, PDT)
User Comments:
Hell Hath No Fury Like a Monarch Scorned!
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Cast
(Credited cast) | Mary Philbin | ... | Dea |
| Conrad Veidt | ... | Gwynplaine |
| Julius Molnar Jr. | ... | Gwynplaine as a child |
| Olga Baclanova | ... | Duchess Josiana |
| Brandon Hurst | ... | Barkilphedro |
| Cesare Gravina | ... | Ursus |
| Stuart Holmes | ... | Lord Dirry-Moir |
| Sam De Grasse | ... | King James II |
| George Siegmann | ... | Dr. Hardquanonne |
| Josephine Crowell | ... | Queen Anne |
| Charles Puffy | ... | Innkeeper |
| Zimbo the Dog | ... | Homo the Wolf (as Zimbo) |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
110 min
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Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.20 : 1 more
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Fun Stuff
Trivia:
Lon Chaney was originally cast as Gwynplaine, but at the last minute, he withdrew.
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Goofs:
Continuity: When Barkilphedro first reads the blackmail note from Doctor Hardquanonne, we are shown a shot of the full text of the note. Toward the bottom, it says, "You are rich...". Seconds later, we see close-ups of the note. Words have been rearranged on the page to make the close-ups more readable and the lower portion now says, "You will be penniless," - a phrase that didn't appear anywhere in the original text.
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Quotes:
Gwynplaine:
[Via subtitles, to the House of Lords] A king made me a clown! A queen made me a Peer! But first, God made me a man!
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Movie Connections:
Referenced in Holy Batmania (1989) (V)
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Soundtrack:
WHEN LOVE COMES STEALING
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FAQ
How did this American movie from 1928 get away with showing female nudity?Is Gwynplaine based on the Joker?
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A most extraordinary movie, filmed on an absolutely staggering scale in the most extravagant yet stylish manner possible by director Paul Leni. Superbly photographed, costumed and set, this handsomely atmospheric horror piece is certainly one of a kind. In its own peculiarly dark niche, I can think of no other competitors, not even Universal's own "Hunchback of Notre Dame".
This movie has the further advantage of a far superior cast. Mary Philbin betters her portrayal in "Hunchback" by a mile, while Conrad Veidt in a Chaney-type role easily steals the picture by sheer charisma rather than simply horrific make-up. Mind you, he is given a good run for his money by Brandon Hurst as the scheming villain, Baclanova as the sexy Josiana, and Josephine Crowell (in her final feature film) as the imperious queen.