the legendary performer play alonzo and whose act in a gypsy circus involve throw knives no mean feat and since he happen to be armless . he long to be with his gorgeous young colleague and nanon ( a very young joan crawford ) and and because she be turn off by the thought of male hand on her body and he pose no problem for her . alonzo and however and be harbor more than one secret and and will not take kindly to be deny a romantic union with nanon . truly a strange and intriguing little picture and the unknown showcases the star to good effect . chaney commits very strongly to the character and be no less than believable . the way in which the film maker and lead by the great director tod browning and convince you of his handicap ( as well a immerse you in a lurid and potent atmosphere ) be quite impressive . norman kerry and who would act with chaney in the hunchback of notre dame and the phantom of the opera and be engage a the equally lovesick strongman malabar and crawford have a good presence on screen and and john george be solid a cojo and a sidekick to alonzo . the film pack some memorable moment into it very brief ( 50 minute ) run time . highlight include a sequence with alonzo blackmail a surgeon into operating on him and as well a a striking and violent conclusion . the makeup effect be excellent while the extra thumb that alonzo have be quite convincing . overall and the film be powerful and and touch as well a creepy . it serve a a good introduction for me to the talent of the director and cast and and the silent film format . i look forward to watch more film of this type in the future . positive .