Blizzard, deranged from a childhood operation in which both his legs were perhaps needlessly amputated after an accident, becomes a vicious criminal, and eventually mob leader of the San Francisco underworld.
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This should be much better known. Excellent deftly plotted story and a fantastic vehicle for Lon Chaney who went to great lengths to make the performance realistic. Quite risqué throughout as well. Save the silly ending this would be classic.
The apparatus worn by Chaney to simulate amputated legs, which consisted primarily of two wooden buckets and multiple leather straps, was complex and incredibly painful. Chaney's knees sat in the buckets, while his lower legs were tied back. Studio doctors asked that Chaney not wear the device, but he insisted on doing so. (Wikipedia) Chaney's tour de force. unique physical performance.
Good mean fun, with Chaney having a grand vicious time. And then it falls apart at the end. Let's just say that Sappy Stupid Ill-Advised Bogus Happy Endings didn't originate with the Production Code or Steven Spielberg.
A decent crime film with a sappy and ridiculous ending. Chaney is mesmerizing, though. He steals all the scenes with his facial expressions that are in turn subtle and devil-like.