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 Some films remain classics simply because they are above average. Man of a Thousand Faces (1957), one such film, is the film biography of silent screen legend Lon Chaney. The story features different aspects of his life from the time Chaney was a young boy to when he became a very famous Hollywood actor appearing in such films as The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923) and The Phantom of the Opera (1925). James Cagney plays Chaney and the film also stars Dorothy Malone, Jane Greer, Jim Backus and Roger Smith.
Cagney getting makeup
Chaney was born in Colorado Springs to deaf mute parents and communicated with them through sign language. The film shows the boy Lone growing up in a loving family while acquiring a sensitivity to the "different" because his parents were different. As a young man, Chaney took to the stage as a clown, and his talents eventually brought him to Hollywood where he started out as a film extra. Adept with makeup - he always traveled with his makeup case - his star soon rose. His home life, on the other hand, is not as successful. He is married to Cleva Creighton (Malone), a self-absorbed and irresponsible singer. Cleva is appalled when she learns of her husband's parents' disabilities and fears that her child will inherit the same affliction. Although their son is born normal, Cleva yearns to return to her own career and often drops her toddler off at the theater for Chaney to watch.
Eventually, Cleva deserts her family, and Chaney gets a divorce. Rather than receiving custody of his son as he expects, the boy is placed in an orphanage until Chaney can prove he can provide a stable home. Stable to the judge really means a home with a mother because by now Chaney is financially secure and he has built a wonderful house. So Chaney marries Hazel (Jane Greer), a chorus girl who proves to be a good wife and a loving mother.
During his short life (Chaney died of cancer before he turned 50), he established himself as a mega star of the silent screen, known for transforming himself into hundreds - if not thousands - of characters. Cagney nailed the nuances of Chaney in both his real life and his personas. Malone did an outstanding job as Chaney's wife.
Overacting by Dorothy Malone, a musical score so dramatic it tells you when you're supposed to feel something; and black and white images do not detract from the overall quality of this movie. It received a well-deserved Oscar for Best Writing.
Man of a Thousand Faces gives us a peak into an extraordinary life during an extraordinary time in movie history.
Bonus Features
No speical features but the film is all-new digitally remastered and looks very good.
Director: Joseph Pevney
Screenplay: R. Wright Campbell, Ivan Goff, Ben Roberts - screenplay; Ralph Wheel Wright - story
Cast: James Cagney, Dorothy Malone, Jane Greer, Jim Backus
Rating: Not Rated. Suitable for all audiences
Classic Movie Guide Rating: 4 ½ out of 5 stars
DVD Release Date: 6/24/2008
Run Time: 122 minutes
Studio: Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Format: Black & White, Anamorphic Widescreen
Photo: Universal Studios
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