The Man Who Laughs

THE BREAKING HEART BEHIND THE LAUGHING FACE.
The Man Who Laughs (1928)
Timing: 1:50 (110 min)
7.6/10
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7.3/10
225
7.6/10
9200
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Director
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Charles E. Whittaker, Walter Anthony
Producer
Carl Laemmle
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Short description

When a proud noble refuses to kiss the hand of the despotic King James in 1690, he is cruelly executed and his son surgically disfigured.

What's left behind the scenes

  • The film is based on Victor Hugo's novel 'The Man Who Laughs' (L'Homme qui rit, 1860).
  • It was the fixed grin of Gwynplaine and his clown-like appearance that inspired comic book creators Bill Finger and Bob Kane to create Batman's most famous enemy – the Joker.
  • Gwynplaine's grotesque smile was created with prosthetics. Conrad Veidt wore a series of dental prosthetics equipped with metal hooks that held the corners of his mouth. The only scene in which he did not wear them is the one where Gwynplaine is charmed by the Duchess Josiana.
  • Rumors that Lon Chaney was cast in the role and then removed from the set are untrue. While he was the initial choice for the role of Guinnphel, Chaney had a contract with another studio, which is why he was unable to participate in the project.
  • It was Gwynplaine's frozen grin and clown-like appearance that inspired comic book writer Bill Finger and artist Bob Kane to create Batman's most famous enemy, the Joker.
  • Gwynplaine's grotesque grin was created using prosthetics. Conrad Veidt wore a series of dental prostheses equipped with metal hooks that held the corners of his mouth. The only scene in which he did not wear them is the one where Gwynplaine is captivated by Duchess Josiane.
  • Rumors that Lon Chaney was cast in the role and then kicked off the set are not true. Although he was the initial choice for the role of Gwynplaine, Chaney was under contract with another studio, which is why he was unable to participate in the project.

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