altaredbeast Wonderful biopic on film legend Lon Chaney. Played by early film great James Cagney. I love classic horror and enjoy learning about film history and those who pioneered the industry. Lon Chaney being one of them, is one who I still knew very little about. Though the film was loosely based upon his life. However, It still was able to capture some great highlights of his career and personal life. Lon Chaney's life was far from easy. Born to deaf parents, he struggled and was treated harshly as a youth. His adult life was riddled with tragedy in the midst of his success. His first wife , who he would have his first and only child with. Attempted suicide during the course of their rocky marriage. I was very moved by the great performances of the cast. In particular, James Cagney who's portrayal of Lon Chaney was phenomenal. Though Lon is remembered mostly for his horror performances, he was much more versatile and appeared in 157 films. Many which are now lost. A master and early pioneer as a makeup artist. Chaney's Phantom, now 93 years old, was beyond it's years and still genuinely terrifying today. INSTAGRAM: @totally_rad_vhs

vincentlynch-moonoi This was both a financial hit and a critically acclaimed performance by James Cagney, and I think the reason for that is that Cagney was so busy "being" Lon Chaney, that he stopped being Jimmy Cagney. Although nearing the end of his active film career, this is one of his finest roles.First, this is a strong story. While all movie bio-pics take some liberties, it appears that this one remained closer to the real story than most. And a dramatic story it is. The script here moves the story along in a reasonable manner, not sensationalizing the apparent truth.There are strong performances throughout, not just by Cagney. Dorothy Malone is particularly good here, although her role as Cagney's first wife is difficult to like. Jane Greer is also excellent as wife # 2. Jim Backus as the agent is also very good, and it's nice to be reminded about what a fine character actor he was before moving into television.Rather than describe the plot, I would recommend you read the Wikipedia article about Lon Chaney, Sr. for background. It really will help you enjoy the film more.Highly recommended for both the strong performances and a reminder of a notable silent screen actor.

gazzo-2 Cagney here is fine, but just plain too old to play this part. He was 10 years older than Cheney Sr. was when he died, and to extend this down to the man's early marriage/toddler in tow days-forget it. Ahhh Hollywood.Enjoyable things here are the vaudeville scenes, or Lon Sr's Hollywood best-Phantom of the Opera, Quasimodo, etc. Cagney jumps right in and pulls those off fine.Dorothy Malone is shown as an icy selfish shrew and then not given much to do afterwords. Roger Smith (think married to Ann-Margret) plays Lon Jr in his teens/early 20's, looking of course Nada like Cagney. You also have Jack Albertson and Jim Backus along for the ride in roles as the doc and his PR guy.Watch it if you like Cagney (I do) or if you're interested in Cheney Sr.-but don't expect it to be all that accurate, because it isn't.**1/2 outta ****

Stanley Strangelove Other reviewers have knocked the film because it is not historically accurate and I can't dispute that. But for me, James Cagney's performance makes this a film that is a must-see. True, the film is short on depicting Lon Chaney's film characters and although we do get to see Cagney in makeup as the Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Phantom of the Opera, the scenes are extremely brief. Most of the film depicts Chaney's conflict with his first wife, wonderfully played by the stunning Dorothy Malone - whew, what a knockout!- and the stormy relationship with his son.The film is a soap opera but Cagney is wonderful showing that he can play drama, comedy and even dance and mime.