Lon Chaney Gets Slapped Around
December 22, 2010
![Slide for He Who Gets Slapped (1924)](https://www.startsthursday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/CPL-He-Who-Gets-Slapped.jpg)
Today we celebrate the 86th anniversary of He Who Gets Slapped, which premiered December 22, 1924. Masterfully directed by Victor Sjöström, the film features a truly all-star cast including: Lon Chaney, Norma Shearer, and John Gilbert.
The opening intertitle sets the tone for all that follows:
"In the grim comedy of life, it has been wisely said that the last laugh is the best."
"Grim comedy of life" indeed. He Who Gets Slapped is a standout for any number of reasons but Chaney's heartbreaking performance tops the list. I won't synopsize the film here, but if you want to know more I suggest that you check out the excellent summary at Classic Film Guide. Suffice it to say, if it's a tragic clown you're looking for, this is the place to find one.
Slide image courtesy of Cleveland Public Library.