Today I got a really interesting silent film for you. He Who Gets Slapped (1924), directed by Victor Sjöström and starring Lon Chaney, is a haunting silent drama that blends psychological torment with circus spectacle. As MGM’s first fully produced feature film, yes that’s right, it delivers a powerful exploration of humiliation, identity, and revenge, all anchored by Chaney’s mesmerizing performance as a man whose public ridicule becomes both his punishment and his profession. With its expressionist cinematography, darkly poetic themes, and emotional depth, the film remains a landmark of silent cinema and a fascinating precursor to the tragic antiheroes of modern storytelling.
Of course, Lon Chaney puts on a performance that is amazing and you really feel for his character. He’s great in literally everything I’ve seen from him. Truly one of the pinnacle actors of this era of film and a horror legend.
Now for the plot. At its heart is a brilliant scientist, played by Lon Chaney, whose life shatters when his work and his dignity are stolen by a powerful patron. Betrayed and humiliated in front of a jeering crowd, he vanishes from society, only to reemerge as a circus clown who performs the same cruel ritual night after night: being slapped to the delight of others. But behind the painted smile is a man still nursing deep wounds, and when love and revenge stir again in his world, his past returns with devastating force. Through raw performances and stark visuals, He Who Gets Slapped tells a deeply human story about pain, pride, and the masks we wear to survive. Lots of raw and dark emotion throughout this film.
Here’s an interesting bit of trivia: George Davis, who plays a clown in the film, was actually a former vaudeville performer and had worked as a clown in Europe. Over his career, he acted in films from the U.S., France, Germany, England, and Italy. He even coached Lon Chaney for one of his roles. The film was a box office success, earning MGM a profit of $349,000—equivalent to about $6.3 million in 2025 dollars, based on studio records. It’s a clear reminder that Lon Chaney’s signature macabre style not only captivated audiences but also brought solid returns at the box office.
This film remains a fascinating piece of cinema history, and it’s arguably underrated. Modern audiences often overlook silent films, and Lon Chaney’s more famous roles tend to overshadow this one. But that doesn’t mean it’s any less impressive. With its striking visuals, eerie atmosphere, and Chaney’s haunting performance, it stands shoulder to shoulder with his best-known work—and deserves to be rediscovered. So, go and check this one out!
