This premiered on Turner Classic Movies on February 26, 2003 and I got to see it for the first time. The story is engaging but the film comes to life because of Lon Chaney's heartbreaking performance. The pain he feels because he cannot tell the orphan girl who has grown into a woman that he is in love with her while all the time being told by his partner that he has to "Laugh Clown Laugh" to make people laugh is heartrenching. You can feel his pain and longing for Loretta Young's character. Eventually the pain overcomes him leading him to commit suicide. Loretta Young, who was only 15 in this film, turns in a remarkably performance for being a newcomer.
All in all a very enjoyable silent film. This is one worth catching if it is shown again.
All in all a very enjoyable silent film. This is one worth catching if it is shown again.