The Unknown

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100%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 6

89%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 1,925
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Movie Info

On the run from the law, Alonzo (Lon Chaney) hides in the circus as The Armless Wonder -- a performer who uses his feet to hurl knives. Alonzo actually has the use of his arms but keeps them concealed so that his true identity remains under wraps. Meanwhile, Alonzo falls in love with another performer, Nanon (Joan Crawford), who has a phobia against being touched by a man. But when the circus owner (Nick De Ruiz) discovers Alonzo's true identity, the performer makes a tragic decision.
  • Genre:
    drama
  • Director:
    Tod Browning
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Cast & Crew

Lon Chaney
Alonzo
Norman Kerry
Malabar
Joan Crawford
Nanon
Nick De Ruiz
Zanzi
John George
Cojo
Frank Lanning
Costra
Tod Browning
Director
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Critic Reviews for The Unknown

All Critics (6) | Fresh (6)

View All Critic Reviews (6)

Audience Reviews for The Unknown

  • Sep 11, 2017
    While very short at just 50 minutes, this film packs an emotional punch and is macabre in a way that is unique to the genre of horror movies. I won't spoil the big moments, but the tone is set from the beginning as we find ourselves at the circus performance with an armless man (Lon Chaney) hurling knives and firing a rifle at his partner (a young Joan Crawford). As we later see Chaney (and a real-life armless double) manipulate objects and do things like smoke with this feet, we're reminded of the film director Tod Browning would make five years later, 'Freaks'. Chaney's performance throughout the film is brilliant, and he dramatically captures angst, jealousy, and pain. John George turns in a strong performance as the little person in the circus who is Chaney's friend, and the two of them create a striking pair. While the overall tone of the movie is deliciously creepy, the romance Joan Crawford warms up to with a circus strong-man (Norman Kerry) is sweet, and Browning uses a piece of gauze over the camera lens to create an idyllic, dreamy feel to some of their scenes. The uncredited score that was used on the TCM showing was also fantastic. Great film, especially for 1927.
    Antonius B Super Reviewer
  • Dec 24, 2011
    It's a deadly and yet beautiful love triangle. Lon Chaney was stunning with his performance inside and outside the screen, I loved every single minute of this film. Circus certainly has been Browning's favourite theme.
    Sylvester K Super Reviewer
  • May 20, 2011
    A brilliant love story, I loved it, I just wish it were a bit longer, but other than that, it's perfect. It's a love story about obsession, lies, and murder. And the climactic scene towards the end was riveting. And Lon Cheney is fantastic as a 'one armed' man. I highly recommend this movie.
    Aj V Super Reviewer
  • Sep 21, 2010
    It was odd. I liked the story, and it was interesting, but it was a bit boring.
    Lauren D Super Reviewer
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