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The Monster

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5.7/10 • 25

1925-03-161h 35m

ComedyHorrorMystery

A general store clerk and aspiring detective investigates a mysterious disappearance that took place quite close to an empty insane asylum.

Directors
Roland West
Writters
Albert Kenyon, Willard Mack
Editors
A. Carle Palm

Top Billed Cast

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  1. Lon Chaney

    Lon Chaney

    Dr. Ziska

  2. Johnny Arthur

    Johnny Arthur

    Johnny Goodlittle

  3. Gertrude Olmstead

    Gertrude Olmstead

    Betty Watson

  4. Hallam Cooley

    Hallam Cooley

    Amos Rugg

  5. Charles Sellon

    Charles Sellon

    Russ Mason

  6. Walter James

    Walter James

    Caliban

  7. Knute Erickson

    Knute Erickson

    Daffy Dan

  8. Frank Austin

    Frank Austin

    Rigo

  9. Edward McWade

    Edward McWade

    Luke Watson

Reviews1

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CinemaSerf Avatar

CinemaSerf

Dec 8, 2023

6/10

The problem with this is that it just takes forever to get past the introduction of the rather insipid characters and become interesting. "Johnny" (Johnny Arthur) is the wimpish store-man who shares a shine on the boss's daughter "Betty" (Gertrude Olmstead) with the slightly more sophisticated "Amos" (Hallam Cooley). Now "Johnny" has just finished qualifying as a private investigator and decides that a local missing person might be a suitable place to start his sleuthing career. The action, such as it is, all centres around a disused sanatarium and when his gal and his rival get stuck there requiring rescue, all three (eventually) meet "Dr. Ziska" (Lon Chaney) and it's soon pretty clear that he is up to no-good. It's a slow burn this, and Chaney isn't anywhere near his best - but to be fair, this isn't the chunkiest part for him (or us) to get immersed in. There are some fun, almost slapstick, moments and electricity plays quite a significant role as our threesome try to escape the clutches of their menacing host. Loads of rain, a tightrope walk and a rather decrepit motor cycle cop also try their best to liven it up and at times Roland West hits the spot. Just not quickly or often enough to make this film much to write home about.

Media

  • The Monster backdrop
  • The Monster backdrop
  • The Monster backdrop
  • The Monster backdrop
  • The Monster backdrop

Recommendations

Status
Released
Original Language
English
Budget
--
Revenue
--
Keywords
insane asylumsilent film