The Unknown
"Don't miss this startling spectacle!"
Originally released in 1927. The Unknown is a drama/thriller film. directed by Tod Browning. At just 68 minutes, it's a tight, focused story.
Starring Lon Chaney, Norman Kerry, and Joan Crawford
Synopsis
On the lam, criminal Alonzo hides in the circus as The Armless Wonder – a performer who uses his feet to hurl knives. Alonzo keeps the arms he really has concealed to hide his identity. Meanwhile, ringmaster's daughter Nanon has a phobia of being touched by men, but is romantically pursued by not only Alonzo but the strongman Malabar. Alonzo's desperation to remain with Nanon will only end in tragedy.
Quick Facts
Release Date
May 29, 1927
98 years ago
Runtime
1h 8m
68 minutes total
User Rating
7.5/10
Great (203 votes)
Budget
$217K
Production budget
Box Office
$847K
3.9x return
Language
English
Original language
Country
United States of America
Production
Director
Top Cast
Lon Chaney
as Alonzo
Norman Kerry
as Malabar
Joan Crawford
as Nanon Zanzi
Nick De Ruiz
as Antonio Zanzi
John George
as Cojo
Frank Lanning
as Costra
Tom Amandares
as Gypsy Running to Zanzi's Death Scene (uncredited)
Margaret Bert
as Fortune Teller (uncredited)
Louise Emmons
as Gypsy Woman (uncredited)
Italia Frandi
as Girl in Audience Flirting with Malabar (uncredited)
Production Details
- Status
- Released
- Original Language
- EN
- Budget
- $217,000
- Revenue
- $847,000
Production Companies
- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Unknown about?
On the lam, criminal Alonzo hides in the circus as The Armless Wonder – a performer who uses his feet to hurl knives. Alonzo keeps the arms he really has concealed to hide his identity. Meanwhile...
Who directed The Unknown?
The Unknown was directed by Tod Browning.
How long is The Unknown?
The Unknown has a runtime of 1 hours and 8 minutes (68 minutes total).
When was The Unknown released?
The Unknown was released on May 29, 1927 in theaters.
Who are the main actors in The Unknown?
The main cast of The Unknown includes Lon Chaney, Norman Kerry, Joan Crawford, Nick De Ruiz, John George.
Is The Unknown worth watching?
The Unknown has a user rating of 7.5/10 based on 203 reviews, indicating very good reception from audiences.