Lon Chaney plays a ventriloquist-turned-criminal mastermind who robs from the rich with help from his sideshow pals. Just as bonkers and just as much fun as you might imagine.
The direction by Tod Browning is surprisingly sterile given the subject matter but Chaney and the rest of the cast, particularly Mae Busch, really pull out all the stops and make this one memorable.
How does it end? Hover or tap below for a spoiler.
Chaney sacrifices himself, confessing to his crimes returning to the sideshow so that Busch can marry a nice guy.
If it were a dessert it would be: Mini Funfetti Cheesecakes with Golden Oreos. Busy and slightly wacky, which is why it works.
Availability: Released on DVD.
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Movies Silently 
I still need to see this and the talkie remake. That’ll make an interesting double feature whenever I can get to it!
Great fun!
I so want to see this film and the remake
It’s extremely interesting to watch them back-to-back.
Such a favorite Chaney film of mine. As you say, the supporting players really shine in this one and stitch it together. Talk about an Ensemble Cast deserving of the Actors Guild award!
Personal Aside: When I first saw Who Framed Roger Rabbit? back in the day, couldn’t help but think that Baby Herman had been patterned after Harry Earles’ Tweedledee. That thought is a happy one 🙂
Yes, what a cast! 😀