Man of a Thousand Faces 1957
Directed by
Joseph Pevney
Made by
Universal Pictures
Plot Summary
The film begins in 1930 at Universal Studios, where a sense of sorrow looms as the flag is at half-mast in honor of the beloved star, Lon Chaney. Growing up in Colorado Springs, Lon faces constant bullying due to his parents’ deafness and their reliance on sign language for communication. As time passes, Lon, now a vaudeville performer, introduces his pregnant wife, Cleva, to his family, who is taken aback to discover that her in-laws are unable to hear or speak. This revelation deepens her concern that their unborn child might inherit the same fate.
Fortunately, their son Creighton is born with the gift of hearing, allowing Lon to indulge in fatherhood for a while. However, as the years go by, cracks begin to form in Lon’s marriage to Cleva, especially when he embarks on an affair with Hazel, a chorus girl who occasionally looks after Creighton. When Cleva uncovers this betrayal, she attempts to take her own life, resulting in a scandal that derails Lon’s vaudeville career. Cleva leaves, and Creighton is taken in by the state.
Heeding the advice of his press agent, Clarence Locan, Lon makes his way to Hollywood, where he starts as a film extra. Through perseverance and his talent for embodying diverse characters, enhanced by expert make-up, he soon earns the moniker “The Man of a Thousand Faces.” Lon’s life takes a positive turn when he marries Hazel and wins back custody of Creighton.
As Lon’s stardom grows, drama unfolds on the set of “Hunchback of Notre Dame” when Cleva returns, seeking reunion with her son. Lon, having misled Creighton to believe his mother is deceased, faces the fallout of his deception when Creighton chooses to reconnect with her. This tumultuous journey culminates on the set of “The Unholy Three,” where Lon, initially believing he is suffering from tonsillitis, discovers he is actually battling bronchial cancer.
Before his passing, Lon reconciles with Creighton, sharing poignant moments until his last breath. In a heartwarming gesture, he requests his makeup box and writes “Jr.” beside his name, bestowing upon Creighton the legacy of “Lon Chaney Jr.” as he embarks on a path forged in his father’s footsteps.
Timeline
Tragic Beginning at Universal Studios
In 1930, the film opens at Universal Studios where the atmosphere is heavy with sorrow. The flag is seen at half-mast, mourning the loss of the beloved actor Lon Chaney, highlighting his impact on the film industry.
Lon's Challenging Childhood
Growing up in Colorado Springs, Lon Chaney experiences constant bullying. This persecution stems from his parents' deafness and their reliance on sign language, creating a sense of isolation for young Lon.
Introduction of Cleva
As a vaudeville performer, Lon introduces his pregnant wife, Cleva, to his family. The family's inability to hear or speak startles Cleva, deepening her concerns about their unborn child's future.
Birth of Creighton
Fortunately for Lon, their son Creighton is born with the gift of hearing. This milestone allows Lon to relish the joys of fatherhood, although underlying tensions loom over the family.
Marriage Strains
As time passes, cracks start to form in Lon’s marriage to Cleva. The situation worsens when Lon begins an affair with Hazel, a chorus girl, compromising the family's stability.
Cleva's Desperation
After discovering Lon's infidelity, Cleva reaches a point of desperation and attempts to take her own life. This tragic event leads to a scandal that significantly derails Lon's vaudeville career.
Creighton's Removal
Following Cleva's departure, Creighton is taken in by the state, leaving Lon devastated and isolated. This marks a turning point in Lon's life as he grapples with the loss of his son.
Journey to Hollywood
Heeding the advice of his press agent, Clarence Locan, Lon moves to Hollywood with dreams of re-building his life. He starts as a film extra, where he faces the harsh realities of the entertainment industry.
Rise to Stardom
Through hard work and his unique talent for transformation aided by expert make-up, Lon earns the title 'The Man of a Thousand Faces.' His success gradually puts him back on the path to redemption.
Marriage to Hazel
Lon's fortunes improve dramatically when he marries Hazel. This new partnership restores a sense of stability in his life and helps him regain custody of Creighton.
Cleva's Return
While filming 'Hunchback of Notre Dame,' Cleva unexpectedly returns to Lon's life, seeking to reunite with Creighton. Lon, who has led Creighton to believe that Cleva has passed away, now faces the consequences of his deception.
Creighton's Choice
Faced with the revelation of his mother's return, Creighton struggles with his loyalties. Ultimately, he decides to reconnect with Cleva, which creates a profound rift between him and Lon.
Health Crisis
On the set of 'The Unholy Three,' Lon initially believes he is suffering from tonsillitis. However, he is struck with the devastating news that he is actually battling bronchial cancer, altering the course of his remaining days.
Final Reconciliation
Before his passing, Lon makes amends with Creighton, cherishing their last moments together. This reconciliation is filled with warmth, allowing them to share poignant memories.
Legacy of Lon Chaney Jr.
In his final moments, Lon requests his makeup box and decides to write 'Jr.' beside his name. This act symbolizes his wish for Creighton to carry on his legacy and follow in his father's footsteps.
Characters
Lon Chaney
Lon Chaney is portrayed as a talented and resilient individual, overcoming a challenging childhood to rise as a vaudeville performer and later a film star. He is characterized by his dedication to his craft and his deep desire for familial connections, which ultimately lead him into turmoil. Lon embodies the struggles of identity and the sacrifices made in the name of love and ambition.
Cleva
Cleva is Lon's wife, who grapples with the reality of their strained marriage and the distress of being in a family where communication barriers exist. Her character reflects vulnerability and emotional turmoil, especially as she confronts betrayal and seeks to maintain a connection with her son. Cleva’s struggles illustrate the challenges faced by individuals navigating love and personal crises.
Creighton
Creighton, the son of Lon Chaney, embodies innocence and hope in the narrative. Born with the gift of hearing, his character represents the potential for a brighter future amid familial challenges. As he grows, the emotional impact of his father's actions shapes his understanding of identity and family, culminating in a poignant reconciliation.
Hazel
Hazel is introduced as a chorus girl and plays a significant role in Lon's life during troubled times. Her character is vital to the narrative, providing support as Lon navigates his complex personal life. Hazel's influence highlights themes of companionship and the search for love amidst chaos.
Clarence Locan
Clarence is Lon's press agent, guiding him in his transition to Hollywood. His character represents the pragmatism needed to succeed in the entertainment industry, offering advice that leads to pivotal decisions in Lon’s life. Clarence's role underscores the importance of mentorship and strategic opportunities in the pursuit of dreams.
Setting
Time period
1930s
The movie is set in the 1930s, a decade marked by the Great Depression, changing social dynamics, and a growing Hollywood film industry. This era saw significant developments in cinema, with actors like Lon Chaney exploring their artistic limits, paving the way for future generations while also grappling with personal and societal challenges.
Location
Colorado Springs, Hollywood, Universal Studios
The film begins in Colorado Springs, a city known for its natural beauty and the struggles of Lon Chaney's early life amid bullying and family challenges. Hollywood serves as the backdrop of his transformation, where dreams and stardom often come at a cost. Universal Studios is integral to the story, representing both the sorrow of loss and the hub of creativity where Lon's career flourishes.
Themes
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Loss and Sacrifice
The theme of loss permeates Lon Chaney's life, from his estranged relationships to the struggles of his family. Sacrifice is evident as Lon navigates the pain of his wife's mental health issues and his eventual separation from his son. This theme resonates throughout the film, showcasing the personal costs of ambition and the complexities of familial bonds.
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Identity and Transformation
Lon Chaney's ability to wear many faces underscores the theme of identity and transformation. His journey from a bullied child to a celebrated actor exemplifies the extremes of personal evolution. As he embraces his roles, the film prompts reflection on the masks people wear in their own lives, highlighting the tension between public personas and private struggles.
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The Pursuit of Fame
The film explores the relentless pursuit of fame and the ambiguous nature of success in Hollywood. Lon's rise to stardom is depicted with its accompanying tribulations, illustrating how the quest for recognition can lead to both personal fulfillment and heartache. Through Lon’s experiences, the narrative questions the cost of celebrity and the fleeting nature of fame.
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