The Unknown

Joan Crawford always considered "The Unknown (1927)" a big turning point for her. She said it wasn't until working with Lon Chaney in this film that she learned the difference between standing in front of a camera and acting in front of a camera. She said that was all due to Chaney and his intense concentration, and after that experience she said she worked much harder to become a better actress.

Chaney's performance certainly inspired co-star Crawford who wrote "Lon Chaney was my introduction to acting. The concentration, the complete absorption he gave to his characterization filled me with such awe I could scarcely speak to him...watching him have me the desire to be a real actress."

Malabar pushes himself up off the bureau multiple times when talking to Nanon about flowers.

The Turner library print has a commissioned score by the Alloy Orchestra and runs 49 minutes.

Featured in Universal Horror (1998)