The Man Who Laughs is a 1928 American silent film directed by the German Expressionist filmmaker Paul Leni. Of great interest is the film is an adaptation of Victor Hugo’s (who also wrote Les Miserables) novel of the same name and stars Mary Philbin as the blind Dea and Conrad Veidt as Gynplaine. The film is known for the grim carnival freak-like grin on Gynplaine’s face, but this is not a horror film!

This is a story of human suffering but also the spirit of overcoming great odds. Ron Carter, house organist, will use themes from the musical score that actually came with the film and includes the song “Love Comes Stealing” by Erno Rapee. The song will also be sung live at the film’s presentation by an accomplished soprano!!! The Man Who Laughs is an emotional experience that will have you on the edge of your seats as the hero realizes his rightful inheritance from his deceased father and the villain gets what is coming to him at the end!!

The event also features two silent comedies beginning at 2:00 pm in celebration of National Silent Film Day featuring Associate Strand Organists Eddie Hulsey and John McCall accompaning a Laurel and Hardy and Charlie Chaplin short comedies.

Each of the Strand Silent Films is accompanied by a live score performed on The Strand’s Mighty Allen theatre organ by The Strand’s House Organist, Ron Carter.

Movie Length:  1 hr 50 m