THE MAN WHO LAUGHS
With Conrad Veidt, Mary Philbin and Olga Baklanova
MOTION PICTURE
June 1928
Here's another classic for those who may prefer their literature
in animated form. Or for those who desire to renew acquaintance
with the characters that people the pages of Victor Hugo's ever-living
novel. Through the skill of the master, Paul Leni, they are present
from the most villainous comprachico to the lewd lady who almost
lures Gwynplaine from the arms of Dea. Tremendous as was the undertaking
of welding together a moderate length photodrama from Hugo's voluminous
tomes, it was as nothing compared to the difficulties of birthing
popular entertainment from the love story of a scar-faced clown
and a blind heroine. Mary Philbin measures up to past work. Caesar
Gravina is excellent as the showman philosopher. Conrad Veidt
misses a bit in a terrifically difficult role, and the newcomer,
Olga Baklanova, is the first among Russia's gifts to cinema.