The Man Who Laughs
Seen it?1928 | 110 min | Drama, Romance, Horror
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office flop and almost no lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics and horror fans. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Scary, warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 50 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1928: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
100% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.3 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerWeak
$1 million worldwide
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
Not enough engagement data yet
Trailer
More like this
The Unknown Sunday Safe BetAnother romance, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Life in a Year Sunday Safe BetAnother drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Breathe
Weeknight WatchAnother drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Spellbound
Saturday SpecialAnother drama, and a Saturday Special.
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey Weeknight WatchAnother romance, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Paul Leni
- Conrad VeidtGwynplaine / Lord Clancharlie
- Mary PhilbinDea
- Cesare GravinaUrsus
- Brandon HurstBarkilphedro
- Olga BaclanovaDuchess Josiana
- Sam De GrasseKing James II
- Stuart HolmesLord Dirry-Moir
- Josephine CrowellQueen Anne
- Julius MolnarYoung Gwynplaine
- Károly HuszárInnkeeper