The Unknown (1927)
(Tod Browning, US 1927, 68 min., 35mm)
Lon Chaney stars as circus sideshow act Alonzo the Armless, who performs all of life’s functions with his feet, including throwing knives at willing beauty Nanon (Joan Crawford), who is the daughter of the circus owner. Nanon is disgusted at the touch of a man, so she befriends Alonzo, who poses no such threat. Alonzo pines for Nanon, but must compete with circus strong man Malabar (Norman Kerry), who Alonzo sabotages when he can. As Alonzo grows closer to Nanon he goes to extreme lengths to hide a terrible secret. Browning, the director behind The Unholy Three, Freaks, and Dracula, wonderfully captures the morbid romanticism of the tale and its disturbing finale. A worldwide sensation since the release of its digital restoration, this audience will be able to revel in the World Premiere of this brand new 35mm print.
Introduction and post-screening discussion regarding the reconstruction process conducted by members of Film Preservation Services: Anthony L'Abbate, Gordon Nelson, Chris Crouse, Graham Brown - and Senior Curator Peter Bagrov.
Live piano accompaniment by Dr. Philip Carli.