Man of a Thousand Faces

Chaney was born to profoundly deaf parents and this was a major contributor to his success as a silent screen star. His wordless ability to express great and subtle emotions was legendary. Chaney's is best remembered today for his portrayals of grotesquely disfigured humans. He was able to evoke a sympathetic reaction from the audience in his original presentations of Quasimodo and the Phantom of the Opera.

This movie gives Cagney an opportunity to relieve the glory days of vaudeville. Numerous dance numbers find their way into the picture. As well as recreating scenes from many of the movies that Chaney was famous for. Still I can't help but notice that Cagney seems to act like Cagney throughout the picture. The typical tough-guy loner whose motto is "my way or the highway" that we see in so many other films.

The film spends no small amount of time covering Chaney's turbulent first marriage. The main contention between Chaney and his wife in this movie is anger at his not revealing the dark secret about his parents (their deafness). Her anger at this secret and his anger at her rejection of his roots leads to a downward spiral in the marriage. Eventually, Chaney is able to find happiness with an ex-chorus girl and provide the stable home for his son he has always dreamed of.

I enjoyed the movie but would caution you that it is not likely to be taken as a serious biography of this legendary film star.


Powerful, but oh, so dated   January 6, 2001
This was one of my favorite movies as a kid (I'll never forget Cagney knocking that guy down backstage and the revelation that immediately follows). It's still engrossing, but the attitudes it reflects about the deaf back then are absolutely stunning today. It's hard to believe things were ever that bad. I only hope deaf viewers can see past that to the wonderful performance Cagney gives. He's as good as any actor Hollywood ever produced.


Cagney shows all his talents   December 8, 1999
Jim Cagney shows all his talents in this well-made bio pic. As Lon Chaney on Vaudeville in his early years, he stages two wonderful dance numbers as a clown -- one dancing with a mannequin, the next a competition with a dancing shadow.

His sense of pantomime and command of sign language is wonderful (Chaney being born to deaf parents), and his performance of the tragedy-stricken Chaney is a real tear jerker.

Especially to be seen is the recreation of Chaney's film "The Miracle Worker." A scene shows Chaney portraying a cripple whose twisted limbs magically unfurl in a traveling scam show.

Dorothy Malone kicks bootie as the insensitive wife and incapable mother who doesn't want to bear Chaney's child because Chaney's parents are deaf and so genetically inferior in her eyes. Chaney had been made fun of all his life due to his parents' deafness, and it's wrenching to see his wife's betrayal. At one point she screams to Chaney, "I don't want to give birth to a dumb thing!" Cagney's pained reaction is amazing.

Cagney's portrayal of a dedicated father to his son is gripping as well. The wife is hateful to the newborn until she learns that he can hear. (Cagney in a great scene hesitates to clap his hands above the baby's crib to see if the noise will register.) The wife rejoices and sweeps the baby from the crib -- her love obviously is conditional. But Cagney subtley wrests the baby from her and coos to the squalling infant that "No one will scare you again." He turns a cold shoulder to her and effectively muscles her out of the relationship in one move. The course of their marriage is set by her previous attitudes and his inability to forgive her. The drama continues.

This film makes one want to see Chaney's silent flicks. It's a good catalyst to jump back into the silent era.

Cagney and rest of cast are magnificent!


FABOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO   October 27, 1999
This movie is awsome! I have been in love with it for years! Cagney was wonderful! The story is so beautiful. It touches you in the heart, way down deep where you did not know you had heart. The ending was so sad. At least he was at home with love.