The Thief of Always

Because I am a thief, I am going to steal an idea I found on another blog, but tweak it a little to make it my own. I am a cinephile. I LOVE films. All genres, all languages. So, I am periodically going to post blogs about some of my all time favorites. They do not always comprise the best of cinema, but they are films that have enriched my life and that I believe everyone should see. I am going to try to do this chronologically, but if I watch a new film and want to post about it I might go out of order.

First up:

"The Unknown" (1927)

What a brilliant film! This is one of Joan Crawford's first starring roles. But the real star is Lon Chaney as Alonzo the Armless, the disfigured knife thrower in a traveling circus. His lovely assistant is Nanon, played by Crawford. There is nothing that Chaney cannot do. Aside from throwing knives with his feet, he also manages to contort himself in a chair to be able to smoke a cigarette with his toes!!

The story is so unique I am surprised that no one has ever thought to remake it. Nanon's father is the Ringmaster of a traveling circus. Alonzo the armless is in love with Nanon. One night, her father is brutally strangled, with no clues as to who has done it. Nanon becomes terrified of people with hands, always thinking this might be the person who killed her father. Obviously, she becomes close to Alonzo, who has no arms with which to hurt her, but is still repulsed by his scarred face.

Shocking twist! Alonzo DOES have arms. In fact, he killed the ringmaster. In order to ensure Nanon will never discover his secret, he has his arms surgically removed. HE HAS HIS ARMS REMOVED FOR LOVE.

Meanwhile, Nanon is beginning to get over her fears, and has become smitten with the strongman.

Love triangle ensues.

I mean, come on...have you ever heard a story like that?