The Unholy Three (1925)

A ventriloquist (Lon Chaney) leaves the carnival midway to enact a wicked scam with his two pals, a strongman, a midget and a lady pickpocket. The bellytalker opens up a pet shop and begins selling "talking" parrots to wealthy patrons. Upon arriving home, the victims are dismayed when their formerly loquacious birds clam up. Ever the good business man, the petshop owner visits them. He brings him a baby carriage containing the midget who cases out the joint while the ventriloquist makes the parrots talk again. The crooks' venture proves lucrative and soon they hire a new clerk. The pickpocket falls in love with him. Later when the strongman and the midget disregard orders and the ventriloquist tries to frame the clerk. But the thieving girl pleads with him and offers to marry the voice-thrower in exchange for the clerk's freedom. Using his skills, the ventriloquist saves the crook. Later the strongman and the midget meet with final justice at the hands of a murderous ape. Meanwhile, the ventriloquist decides that crime really doesn't pay and after gallantly freeing the thief to be with her true love, resumes his life in the carnival.