The Man Who Laughs
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.
Critics Sentiment
Heartbroken Dea discovers Gwynplaine's secret rendezvous letter
Peers mock Gwynplaine during his introduction ceremony
The film drops from its emotional peak when Dea discovers Gwynplaine's betrayal to its lowest point during the humiliating House of Lords sequence.
Critics consistently praised Conrad Veidt's extraordinary performance and the film's visual splendor, though some found the political intrigue less compelling than the emotional core. The film builds to powerful emotional peaks around Gwynplaine's internal struggles and relationship with Dea, with most reviewers finding the conclusion satisfying despite occasional pacing issues. Overall reception celebrates it as a magnificent example of silent cinema craftsmanship.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 42
Conrad Veidt
Gwynplaine / Lord Clancharlie
Mary Philbin
Dea
Cesare Gravina
Ursus
Brandon Hurst
Barkilphedro
Olga Baclanova
Duchess Josiana
Sam De Grasse
King James II
Stuart Holmes
Lord Dirry-Moir
Josephine Crowell
Queen Anne
Julius Molnar
Young Gwynplaine
Károly Huszár
Innkeeper
Deno Fritz
Sword Swallower
Delmo Fritz
Sword Swallower
Henry A. Barrows
Undetermined Secondary Role (uncredited)
Richard Bartlett
Undetermined Secondary Role (uncredited)
Charles Brinley
Undetermined Secondary Role (uncredited)
Les Bates
Undetermined Secondary Role (uncredited)
Carmen Castillo
Dea's Mother (uncredited)
Allan Cavan
Undetermined Secondary Role (uncredited)
D'Arcy Corrigan
Undetermined Secondary Role (uncredited)
Carrie Daumery
Lady-in-Waiting (uncredited)
Crew
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