The man who laughs [videorecording (DVD)] / Universal ; Carl Laemmle presents a Universal Super-Jewel ; adaptation by J. Grubb Alexander ; director, Paul Leni.
Mary Philbin, Conrad Veidt, Julius Molnar, Jr., Olga Baclanova, Brandon Hurst, Cesare Gravina, Stuart Holmes, Sam DeGrasse, George Siegmann, Josephine Crowell, Charles Puffy. Originally released as a motion picture in 1928. Based on the novel L'homme qui rit by Victor Hugo. Special features: original documentary on the making of the film; rare home movies of star Conrad Veidt, with Greta Garbo and Emil Jannings; extensive photo and art gallery; essay by John Soister, author of "Conrad Veidt on screen"; excerpts from Victor Hugo's novel; excerpts from the Italian release version with alternate title designs.
Summary:
Gwynplaine is doomed to live life wearing a perpetual grin. Carved on his face because his father, Lord Clancharlie, had offended England's king. Gwynplaine grows up alongside the beautiful but blind Dea and they fall in love. Queen Anne, meanwhile, has ascended the throne and when she learns that the femme fatale, Duchess Josiana is in possession of the Lord's estates, she decrees that the Duchess must marry Gwynplaine, the rightful heir. Gwynplaine realizes that the duchess' attraction has legitimized his right to love Dea, renounces his title and follows his heart to the new World.
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