The Man Who Laughs [Blu-ray/DVD]

The Man Who Laughs [Blu-ray/DVD]

Director: Paul Leni Cast: Nick De Ruiz
Nick De Ruiz
, Allan Cavan
Allan Cavan
, Olga Baclanova
Olga Baclanova
, Mary Philbin
Mary Philbin
Paul Leni
The Man Who Laughs [Blu-ray/DVD]

The Man Who Laughs [Blu-ray/DVD]

Director: Paul Leni Cast: Nick De Ruiz
Nick De Ruiz
, Allan Cavan
Allan Cavan
, Olga Baclanova
Olga Baclanova
, Mary Philbin
Mary Philbin
Paul Leni

Blu-ray (Bonus DVD / 2 PACK)

$59.99 
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Overview

The second of German director Paul Leni's American films (Cat and the Canary was the first), The Man Who Laughs is a lavish adaptation of the novel by Victor Hugo. The story concerns Gwynplaine, the son of an enemy of the evil King (Sam DeGrasse). Putting Gwynplaine's father to death in his torture chamber, the King exacts a further revenge by ordering that the boy's face be carved into a permanent, hideous smile. Abandoned in the snowy hills, Gwynplaine rescues another outcast, a blind girl named Dea. The two join a circus troupe and grow up together. The adult Gwynplaine (played by Conrad Veidt) falls in love with the sightless Dea (Mary Philbin), who "sees" only his kindnesses and not his grotesquely smiling face. When his noble heritage is revealed, Gwynplaine is presented in court before the Queen, who considers his permanent grin an insult. Once more an outcast, Gwynplaine sails to the New World, with the loving Dea at his side. While many existing prints of the silent Man Who Laughs are in washed-out black and white, it should be noted that the film was originally (and exquisitely) tinted and toned, and was also accompanied by a Fox Movietone musical track. Though the property was later optioned by Kirk Douglas, The Man Who Laughs was never remade.

Product Details

Release Date: 06/07/2019
UPC: 0617311686290
Original Release: 1928
Source: Flicker Alley
Region Code: 1
Sound: [silent, Dolby Digital Stereo]
Language: English
Time: 1:50:00
Sales rank: 15,636

Special Features

Celebrating Universal's Masterpiece" - a new booklet essay written by film historian and author Kevin Brownlow.; Paul Leni and The Man Who Laughs - a visual essay by film historian and author, John Soister, on Leni's work at Universal during this period. (13.42); Rare Image Gallery - a slide show presentation of vintage promotional materials and production stills.; Optional Audio Track - the film's original 1928 Movetone score is presented here as a secondary audio track.; "Notes on the New Score" - a short essay by composer Sonia Coronado of the Berklee School of Music on their new score for The Man Who Laughs.

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits
Nick De Ruiz Wapentake
Allan Cavan Actor
Olga Baclanova Duchess Josiana
Mary Philbin Dea
Conrad Veidt Gwynplaine
Brandon Hurst Barkilphedro, the Jester
Carmen Costello Dea's "Mother"
Frank Puglia Clown
Charles Puffy Innkeeper
Sam De Grasse James II
Lon Poff Actor
Stuart Holmes Lord Dirry-Noir
Torben Meyer The Spy
Julius Molnar Jr. Gwynplaine as a Child
Edgar Norton Lord High Chancellor
Jack Goodrich Clown
Josephine Crowell Queen Anne
Cesare Gravina Ursus
George Siegmann Dr. Hardqucinnone

Technical Credits
Mary McLean Screenwriter
Paul Leni Director
Charles E. Whittaker Screenwriter
Walter Anthony Screenwriter
J. Grubb Alexander Screenwriter
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