Dir. Tod Browning (1925).
In this marvelous movie, the unholy three are carnival refugees: ventriloquist Lon Chaney, in granny drag; a moronic strong man; and a malignant dwarf disguised as a baby (the superb Harry Earles, later star of Freaks) who unite to execute jewel thefts. The picture approaches greatness in the mastery with which Browning combines cruelty and laughter.
Thu., Oct. 22, 7 p.m., 2009