THE MAN WHO LAUGHS starts exceptionally well and definitely gets your attention. In many ways, it seems reminiscent of a Rafael Sabatini novel--the same guy who brought many adventure tales to the screen (such as CAPTAIN BLOOD, SCARAMOUCHE and THE BLACK SWAN),though the actual story was by Victor Hugo. King James II of England (a particularly bad king according to most history books) has arranged for the death of an enemy in a very brutal scene. And, in a nasty move, he has the face of his enemy's young son, Gwynplaine, carved into a permanent smile by some bizarre group of evil gypsies. However, the boy does survive and makes his way in the snow to the wagon of a nice gypsy (the non-face carving kind) and on the way he discovers a baby (Dea) in the arms of a dead woman.

Years pass and now Gwynplaine is a famous adult--famous for his stage act along with his adopted gypsy dad and the grown baby--now a gorgeous but blind lady (Mary Philbin). It's pretty obvious Gwynplaine and Dea are in love but fate steps in when a current monarch, Anne, finds out that Gwynplaine is the heir to a title. He is kidnapped and instated as a peer in the House of Lords--though it doesn't go well for Gwynplaine. He'd much rather have his old life and Dea. Tune in for yourself to find out what happens.

In many ways, this film is the pinnacle of silent films in America. It debuted very late in 1928 and had it been made just a few months later, it would likely have been a sound film (though how they could have done this with the facial appliance Conrad Veidt had to wear for the title role would have been a problem). But, as it was made in this transition period, Universal added a soundtrack along with sound effects and a song--making it a semi-talkie. Additionally, the cinematography is just lovely and the story very engaging. One of the better silent films and one that has somehow been almost forgotten over the years.

By the way, the DVD from Kino is exceptional. Not only is the print nearly pristine but there are lots of extras on the DVD that would make this a nice addition to any home library.

One of the things I noticed in viewing this was the tight editing. There is little wasted space. Many of the silent films are presented in jerky photographic moments, with the actors emoting and letting us figure out their motivations. This one begins with a sad event. A revolutionary pays the price of his life for not respecting James II. In addition to his execution, his little son is surgically altered to have a perpetual smile, to become the subject of ridicule, seeming to be laughing. The little boy is cast aside by the Gypsies that did this to him and on his journey finds a dead mother clutching a little baby girl. He seeks refuge in the home of a poet and this launches him on a career as a kind of freak actor. The little girl grows to be a beautiful woman, but she is blind. He feels great love for her, but is afraid that other women either hate him or pity him. He becomes a great celebrity, but is submerged in loneliness and depression, having to go in front of audiences each day to be a clown. Mixed into all this is the fact that he is heir to a great position and becomes a threat to the aristocracy and to the Queen. How this is all sorted out is utterly captivating. There is a little Les Miserables and a little Elephant Man in his portrayal. A truly remarkable film.

In 1690, in England, the nobleman Lord Clancharlie returns from his exile to see his young son. The peer is captured by the cruel King James II and before being killed, he is informed that his beloved son had been sold to the gypsies Comanchicos that carved a permanent grin on his face. The Cormanchicos abandon the boy in the cold snowing winter, and while looking for shelter, he finds a baby hold in the arms of her dead mother. He brings the baby with him and they are welcomed by the philosopher Ursus (Cesare Gravina),who finds that the baby is blind and raises them. Years later, Gwynplaine (Conrad Veidt) becomes a successful clown, and together with the blind Dea (Mary Philbin),they present plays for common people. Gwynplaine and Dea are in love for each other, but he refuses to marry her because of his ridiculous appearance. When the evil jester Barkilphedro (Brandon Hurst) discloses the origin of Gwynplaine, he plots a means to be rewarded by the Queen, jeopardizing the love of Gwynplaine and Dea.

The Man Who Laughs" is a magnificent classic based on the famous Victor Hugo's novel. The performances of Conrad Veidt and Brandon Hurst are amazing and there are many touching and heartbreaking scenes. My eyes became wet when the artists act like the audience cheering for Gwynplaine to spare Dea from the truth. The appearance of the character Gwynplaine inspired Bob Kane in the creation of "The Joker", one of Batman's greatest enemies. Another point that I would like to highlight is the resemblance of Madonna, in the beginning of her career, with the Russian actress Olga Baclanova, who performs daring scenes including of nude with her amoral character of Duchess Josiana. I have never read Victor Hugo's novel, but it seems that the conclusion in the original story is less optimistic than in this movie, but anyway I loved this film. My vote is ten.

Title (Brazil): "O Homem Que Ri" ("The Man Who Laughs")