Product Description
For the first time, you can put conjecture aside and read definitive proof about the roles Chaney had behind the scenes as well as in front of the camera. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Outstanding, lively - like the times it describes
This is a fascinating look at a long-gone time.Mr. Blake's book not only gives the reader great insight into the artistry and work of Lon Chaney, it is a peak into the past, of the days of silent film.

Beyond the other rave reviews for this book relative to the artist, what made this book all the more valuable to me was Mr. Blake's description on movie-making at the turn of the 20th century.We can hear, feel and almost smell the greasepaint of that time, the hard work, the ramshackle artistry of these cinema pioneers.

This is one of the best books on early film, and a credit to the magic of Lon Chaney.

Aworthy companion
Michael F. Blake's second book on Lon Chaney, A Thousand Faces: Lon Chaney's Unique Artistry in Motion Pictures, is a worthy and much-welcome companion volume to the author's first book:Lon Chaney: The Man BehindThe Thousand Faces. This book serves a two-fold purpose: First,Blake reveals a lot of new information he uncovered about the actor's lifeand films since his first book.Second, this time around biography takes abackseat to a detailed look at the films themselves (although there isstill plenty to be learned of Chaney's life).

Being THEacknowledged Chaney authority and having acted himself at an early age,Blake is able to provide a knowledgeable and well-balancedanalysis/commentary of Chaney's films (at least those that are not"lost").While certainly the biggest fan of Lon Chaney, Blakemaintains the needed objectively to fairly critique each film andperformance. As with his first book, a big highlight here is the wealthof rare photos presented (including Lon both in and out of make-up), as isthe always fascinating information on how Chaney, a make-up master, createdthose amazing characters. Blake is to be lauded forhis vast efforts in keeping alive the legacy of one of the greatest talentsof the silent era.Thanks to author Blake, all the many fans of Lon Chaneycan be assured that Chaney's many talents and contributions to the world offilm (and film make-up!) will never be forgotten.

A great introduction to a master of film
Before reading this book, I knew almost nothing of Lon Chaney except his reputation as a horror actor.I was amazed to discover exactly how misleading that title actually was.Blake's work introduced a genius atmakeup and pantomime who was capable of playing any role convincingly. Through it, I gained a respect for a great but seldom-discussed actor.

This book is a worthy sequel to Blake's first book on Chaney
This is one sequel that is worth waiting for!Armed with new informationfrom the files of Lon Chaney's former business manager, Blake has written aworthy follow-up to his first book on the famous actor.This time, Blakecovers Chaney's performances and the making of many of his films in thereader-friendly tone he established in his first book.Blake has brokennew ground in film history, revealing that it was Chaney's idea to make"Hunchback of Notre Dame", NOT Universal's studio head, IrvingThalberg!!It is just amazing what new nuggets of information Blake dugup, including lengthy interviews with probably the only surviving crewmemeber from Chaney's MGM days and a nurse who attended him during his lasttrip to New York where he sought a cure of his cancer.He also debunks themyth that Chaney would have played the title role in "Dracula". It is heavily illustrated with many super rare photos.This book is justas good, if not better, than Blake's first effort.Both are a MUST ifyou're an admirer of Lon Chaney. ... Read more

Product Description
Lon Chaney's Shadow: John Jeske and the Chaney Mystique reveals an unexplored and controversial side of the great silent film actor Lon Chaney's life by taking a close look at his relationship with friend, chauffeur, and make-up assistant, John Jeske.Books previously published of Chaney's life and career document his phenomenal talent in the art of motion picture make-up and acting, but the reader comes away without a full understanding of who Chaney was as a man.This book focuses on the human level of the relationship between Lon, his son Creighton (Lon, Jr.), second wife Hazel, and their "faithful servant", so the pieces of the emotional and psychological dynamics at work in this complex story can finally be appreciated for the significant impact they had on Chaney's career.The John Jeske story is at its core a fascinating glimpse into a world which has until now been off limits to all but the most dedicated of researchers. The majority of evidence to link the two men has been purposely suppressed or destroyed--a great deal of it was destroyed by Chaney himself and his wife Hazel to keep alive the myth that Chaney did not need help of any kind.The story of Jeske's life and work with Lon Chaney is therefore fragmented at best, but I believe, through painstaking research, I have recovered enough to finally reveal the truth.This book fills the gap left behind by every other Lon Chaney biography and is an essential addition to the libraries of Chaney fans and film historians worldwide. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Lon Chaney's Loyal Friend John Jeske
I found this book an interesting read.This is a great story about a loyal friend to Lon Chaney.I can't imagine you can find many people who would be as loyal a friend as John Jeske.It's ashame that friendship brought John so much sadness in the end.I enjoyed reading about someone who played a supporting role to a popular person.

Lon Chaney's Shadow John Jeske and the Chaney Mystique
I recently read this book and really enjoyed it.We forget in our idolization of stars just how isolated they become in fame and how carefully they have to chose friends and confidants.In this book I saw how carefully Lon Chaney chose his friend John Jeske and came to trust him like no other friend.Even after Chaney's death John Jeske remained a loyal true friend.Today everything is for sale for the right price.I'm sure it was the same back then for celebrities.Even in the most dire financial strain John Jeske remained a loyal true friend chosing to remain loyal and not betray his friend for financial gain.I really admire the friendship and highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Late 1929. The Stock market crash. At MGM Studios Irving Thalberg was involved in a power struggle. Lon Chaney's contract was coming up for renewal. Tod Browning, MGM's famed director of the macbre genre for the studio, had left and signed a contract back at his home studio, Universal. Carl Laemmle Jr was made production head of Universal for his father and he wanted to do a film version of Dracula. Carl Sr. agreed, as long as they had Lon Chaney as the star. Early in August of 1930, Carl Junior, still attempting to sign Chaney for the role, ordered a treatment to be authored by Louis Bromfield. By Mid August he was teamed with screenwriter Dudley Murphy and they began work on the script. Then in the middle of the negotiations, Lon Chaney unexpected by everyone in the film industry, died on August 26th. This volume of the Atlernate History of Classic Monster Films we present the full first Bromfield treatment, the incomplete first draft screenplay by Bromfield and Murphy. In addition, when Dracula was finally produced, more in the fashion of the popular 1927 play than the Bram Stoker novel, as was intended by Laemmle for Chaney - A silent version of the Lugosi Dracula was prepared for theaters who had not yet converted to sound. We have also included a complete Title list from this version. Also included in this volume is a translated version of F.W. Murnau's shooting script for the first screen version of Dracula - filmed in Germany in 1922 and called NOSFERATU, a symphony of horror. Murnau's hand annotations are included in bold print throughout the script. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Greatness Marred by Sloppy Editing
This is another script in the series started at MagicImage Press but now continued by BearManor Media, from editor Philip J Riley.

Having published all the classic Universal Monster movie scripts and others, Riley has continued his poking around in the crypts of Universal Studios' history.

Many monster aficionados know that Lon Chaney was first in line to play Dracula, IN A TALKIE, for Universal when the studio acquired the rights to Bram Stoker's novel from Mrs Stoker. However, sadly enough for us, throat cancer and death intervened. That's part of why the role went to the actor who had been touring America in the stage play - Bela Blasco, aka Lugosi.

In this book Riley collects two scripts prepared for a Chaney portrayal - the second script cut short at the time of Chaney's death.

One of the main changes in these early drafts from the finished Lugosi film is in the character of Dracula - no surprise here. The Dracula we meet in Transylvania is as described by Stoker - old, white-haired, slender, mustachioed, and hairy-palmed. The Dracula character presented in England is, just as described in the novel, a rejuvenated version, with black hair. He also travels under the nom de plume "Count De Ville," not under his own name as in the final movie.

Also included in the book are the title cards text for the silent-film version of Dracula (for those theatres not yet converted to sound), and a script for FW Murnau's Nosferatu, the unauthorized German Dracula film.

This latest series of script books by Riley is a sort of "What If?" thought exercise. There are myriads of scripts and treatments for movies that were never made for various reasons. The complete title of this book is, for instance, DRACULA Starring Lon Chaney: An Alternate History for Classic Film Monsters. I have one earlier volume in this series, Wolfman vs Dracula.

If you're curious at all about the book, then it's for you!

There are a couple of negatives in my opinion of the book, but only minor ones. First off, Riley needs a proofreader for his introductory sections. It's perfectly understandable to see, in a mimeoed script from the 1930s, a misspelling here or there.

But in Riley's Introduction -- a text piece generated and "typeset" by a computer -- THERE IS NO EXCUSE for saying that Lon Chaney was to play a "duel" role in a film. This happens twice, while alongside the text is a reproduction of a document from the 1920s/1930s that uses the word correctly!

Another rather jarring thing is to be reading along in the scripts and come across "the little box" - that tiny rectangle you see when you're using a text character in a font that does not contain a certain letter or character. Instead, you get "the little box."

This makes me wonder if the typewritten script pages have ALSO been "word-processed" into a typewriter font.

The more I think about it, the crazier I get. So, simply, get the book if you want to learn more about movie monsters, and the 1931 Dracula film in particular.

What if Lon Chaney performed as Dracula...
I really enjoyed this book.Lon Chaney was one of the most celebrated actors during the silent film era.His work with the Phantom of the Opera and the Hunchback of Notre Dame were huge successes which spotlighted his work as a performer and as a makeup genius!For years, there has been speculation that he would have been the person to take on the Dracula role which was assumed by Bela Lugosi.This has remained as pure speculation because of Lon Chaney's untimely death on August 26, 1930.

What Philip J. Riley has accomplished with this book is a minor miracle.He provided documentation which clearly shows Carl Laemmle Jr's effort to have Lon Chaney signed up for the planned Dracula movie.Chaney was also envisaged to take on the roles of Dracula and Van Helsing as a dual role!Of course, Chaney was not yet signed because of the complicated legal issues not yet resolved with his film obligations with MGM.However, the thrust is that Universal Studios clearly wanted Lon Chaney and had already prepared a film script with him in mind.This film script, presented in full in Riley's book, was written by Louis Bromfield.The script was quite different from the one used by the Lugosi Dracula (1931) film and much more closely adheres to the storyline as presented by Bram Stoker's Dracula novel.In addition, the Chaney Dracula would have been a more explicit version of the vampire count with fangs and all in bloody display!One only has to look at Chaney's work as the Man with the Beaver Hat in London After Midnight to get some idea of what Chaney could do.Undoubtedly, Lon Chaney would have performed Dracula in an unique fashion putting his very personal stamp on the role along with an awesome makeup job which would very likely had influenced all future Dracula movies.Lon Chaney and Director Tod Browning (who directed the Lugosi Dracula movie) forged an unique alliance during the Silent Movie era which lead to many Chaney movies which are still recognized today.Unfortunately, with the death of Chaney, no further work was done with the Bromfield script which was abandoned in favor of the Garrett Fort script to closely follow the script of the Broadway play of Dracula which starred Lugosi.That play presented Dracula as a more humanistic figure and differed more extensively from the Stoker novel than what was presented in the Bromfield script.

Though we will never know what Lon Chaney would have done in acting as Dracula, this book by Philip Riley brings us as close as possible toward helping us to imagine what would have been!Also, this book presents an original script of the Murnau version of Nosferatu, a silent movie which represented Germany's version of Dracula, and a series of articles representing Lon Chaney's life story in his own words!What a gift to those who truly enjoy those great Universal horror movies of the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s.I look forward to obtaining future books from Philip Riley unearthing more "what if" filmscripts from those golden years!This book about the Chaney Dracula effort is highly recommended! ... Read more

Product Description
If you care at all about silent pictures, about Chaney, about bravura acting and about film makeup, the book is invaluable and perhaps definitive. --San Diego Union Tribune ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Gold dust for a Lon Chaney fan.
One of the most in-depth biopics on Lon Chaney that I've read. Fantastic rare photos & so much insite about this man-family life-work etc. The best out of many books written about Lon. Well worth it!

The only thorough and ojective source on Lon Chaney
This was the most extensive biography I've ever read on Lon Chaney. Micheal F. Blake's account of Chaney was excellent becuase the author explains why the man was so sucsessful.
The book mainly concentrates on the impact he left on critics and movie goers. Also,his agenda and work relationships with film makers and various experts needed for subject matter that was essential for unusual plot elements in some of his greatest films. The author further demonstrates how these relationshipsenhanced his skill, and how that would inspire him to progress beyond what he already achieved in prior films for futer projects.
The auther accounts for his private life with integrity and honor. However, you'll learn of the private life he wanted people to think he had, regardless of how accurate it was, in comparrisson to the truth, and why.
I am a horror/sci-fi fanatic, with an extensive collection of films, novels and magazines spawned from those very genres-minus Lon Chaney!!! I can only account for two Fangoria magazines that have articles profiling him, and they are not very extensive. It's very hard to find information and literature about this man, which is a shame, considering how much he inspired present day movie makers. That's why this book is a must read, especially for those interested in a medium leading to any type of film carreer. If not, if you want to read something different, Lon Chaney is definately that in every which way, and Micheal F. Blake explains why!

The life of a fascinating personality revealed
For the decades since his death, Lon Chaney, while one of the biggest stars of the silent era, had remained one of the least-known (about) talents of said era.The life of this amazing, multi-talented individualis finally revealed to us with Lon Chaney:The Man Behind The ThousandFaces. Chaney fans reap the benefits of author Michael F.Blake's 6 years of research.Of the many things we learn:the son, bornto deaf parents and his early mastery of pantomime for the sake ofcommunicating with (and entertaining) them.His rather extensive list oftheater credits where he practiced and honed his skills at make-up. Hisentry into films and the amazing body of work that resulted. His rise frombit player to hugely popular character-actor, adored by the public andrespected by his peers.His marriages. All this and much, much more (whoknew that Chaney was an adept dancer!).A filmography (as complete as canbe known), chronology of major events in Chaney's life, and even a glossaryof make-up terminology is also provided.

Two highlights:numerous,never-before-seen (at least by me) photos and Blake (himself a make-upartist) reveals the secrets behind many of the actor's "thousandfaces", at the same time dispelling many inaccurate "facts"that have been perpetuated over the years concerning said make-upcreations.

Whether you're a fan of Chaney or of film history ingeneral, you will find this book invaluable.

Excellent treatment
Mr. Blake presented a thorough and convincing telling of Mr. Chaney's lifeand career. I found it to be quite readable, informative, and delightful inopening to me the life of one of my favorite screen personalities. Blake'sbook, as well as its subject, Lon Chaney, deserve a place in the highestlevels of cinematic lore and recognition. I recommend this book to anyonewishing to know more about Lon Chaney and his times.

If you want to know who Lon Chaney was, this is THE book!
The fans of Lon Chaney have never had a detailed biography of the"Man of a Thousand Faces", but no more!Michael F. Blake haswritten THE BOOK on Chaney, uncovering a tremendous amount of rare materialon the actor's life and career.A film/TV makeup artist himself, Blake isable to finally tell us how Chaney really created his famous makeups.The120 photos, many I've never seen before, are just amazing!This is thebook Chaney fans have been waiting for. ... Read more

Product Description
Though he was haunted by the shadow of his legendary father and devastated by alcoholism, Lon Chaney, Jr., carved out a very successful film career as Universal’s leading horror star in the 1940s, and later as a leading character actor in Westerns, dramas, and on television. While rightly focused on the career of the underrated actor, this study also explores his life and times. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Good that a book was written about Chaney Junior
I am glad that a book about Lon Chaney Junior has been written.It provides some interviews that can also be found in "Universal Horrors."

Don Smith goes off base with some of his underdeveloped theories, especially the claim that Creighton Chaney was a "latent homosexual."

Why bother with such theories?
I would have liked to have read more about Chaney's work ethic.The people I met who worked with Lon Chaney Junior, found the actor to be a nice man who suffered from the disease of alcoholism.

Disappointing book overall, but a good one to catalog his movies.

Good book if you don't know anything about Chaney
If you know nothing about the films and career of Lon Chaney Jr., then you will get something out of this book. However, if you are like me (and probably most people who would be interested in reading a book about Lon Chaney Jr.), you already know about his film career and most of the books content is going to be stuff you already know. I wanted to read about his life and times, which it has a little of, but mostly it was overviews of his movies. Personally I would rather just watch the movies instead of reading about them.

This is a fairly good biography of my favorite actor.
As a Lon Chaney,Jr.fan,I feel that this book,though interesting,leaves one strangely disatisfied at it's conclusion. I really expected much more from this somewhat one-sided biography.The portrait that Mr.Smithprovides about Lon Chaney,Jr,is often far too negative.

A disappointing biography on Lon Chaney, Jr.
There has never been a definitive biography of Lon Chaney, Jr., and thisbook does nothing to fill that void.Based primarily on other sourcebooks, author Don G. Smith displays little eveidence of hard research inthis text.It is overladen with long-winded synopses of Chaney Jr.'sfilms, while the actor's early life, growing up with his father, hismother's attempted suicide and subsequently being lead to believe she wasdead are hardly dealt with.It is quite obvious that the author simplypulled a few previously written books and cut-and-pasted the material intohis text.A shoddy piece of writing and film research.The filmogrpahy isvery minimal, but the TV appearances are well detailed.In all, LonChaney, Jr. does deserve a detailed biography.This one isn't it! ... Read more

Product Description
Master of disguises Lon Chaney, famous for his portrayals of the Phantom of the Opera and the Hunchback of Notre Dame, appeared in over 150 films during his long career. This detailed filmography provides complete cast lists, plot synopses, and behind-the ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

excellently researched book
Once again this author astounds with his depth of research - finding in depth descriptions and information about films we may never have a chance of seeing is an amazing feat.Shipping was quick and the book was in excellent condition as well.

The Films of Lon Chaney, a great book.
There's only one thing to say about Lon Chaney; he was probably one of the top ten greatest actors of the twentieth century (considering the difference in acting today). Even with make up aside, he still managed to turn in a great performance. I believe I saw Michael F. Blake on the Turner Classic Movies documentary, "Man of a thousand faces." He obviously knows what he's talking about when it comes to Lon Chaney and wrote one helluva book. It's interesting to read the critics reviews for his films, and one wonders all the reasearch and time it took to find them. Being a fan of Lon Chaney myself, this is a must read for not even Chaney, but silent films fans all around.

Comprehensive reference on Lon Chaney's films
This reference book is packed full of cast listings, story-lines, production info, and contemporary reviews of all of Lon Chaney's known films. There are over 100 photos from his films. Author Blake has alsoincluded notes about the films including which ones are extant. Finally,there is a list of other films that he appeared in and unrealized filmprojects.

The ONLY detailed filmogrpahy book on Lon Chaney.
Many actors and actresses have had "The Films of..." bookswritten about them, but Lon Chaney was always overlooked.Now, Michael F.Blake has written a book to fill that void.The book has detailedinformation relating to cast and crew, ploy synopsis, critical comments ofthe day and behind-the-scenes information.There are 120 photos fromChaney's films, many never published before.Chaney's film biography,"Man of a Thousand Faces", and a detailed list of unrealized filmprojects are also included.This book is a necessary reference guide forALL Chaney fans. ... Read more

Product Description
The Midnight Actors Series delves into pivotal films madethroughout Lon Chaney's career (not only the mainstream Universal andhorror classics, but his stunning performance in Of Mice and Men, hisB Western career, his low-budget horror/exploitation movie career, hisprestigious character performances in A productions, his televisionwork, etc.), by having different authors offer distinct reflectionsand individual insights, and by including several firsthand interviewsfrom people who worked with Chaney, Jr., we hope to offer the mostcomplete and balanced portrait yet seen of Lon Chaney, Jr., workingactor. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Industructable Chaney
I think the basic problem with the Midnight Marquee style is probably often commented upon: too much space to lengthy synophsis of the movie being examined.
On the somewhat charmingly offbeat subject of Lon, this book is well done and a lot of fun. Not a great actor, and a man who came to his trade in part on the strength of his family name; Lon still had great moments and won the affection of genre fans. Let's face it, Larry Talbot should have been a leading man type with great looks, Lon was really a charactor
type guy.

I really want to see the movie "Witchcraft" after reading this book; Lon went to England to make it and was bombed the whole time. "Dr. Terror", by the way, is really not David Hewitt's worst film, probably "Monster's Crash the Pajama Party would win.

This book is a great overview of Chaney, Jr.'s movie roles.
I think it's only fair to state that I too am one of the authors in this anthology. I wrote the review of "The Ghost of Frankenstein," and in spite of a few "glitches" that got past me when"proofing" the manuscript, I think the book on a whole is thebest of the first three movie actor anthologies (Lugosi, Karloff andChaney, Jr.) that Midnight Marquee has produced.

Lon,Jr.'s career ispretty well profiled with an overview of some of his early film career, hisWesterns, his classic portrayals in "Of Mice and Men," "TheWolf Man," and "High Noon," the low budget "B"movies and shlocky films he made in his later years. There is something newto be learned in just about every article at Lon Chaney, Jr. Fans of theactor should be pleased at the affectionate, yet often very objective lookat a large body of his film work. Those who tend to "put down"the actor, and begrudgingly admit that he made a few good films will besuprised about some good performances that may have gone un-noticed untilnow. It is a book that belongs in any "horror film" fan'slibrary. General fans of "the golden age of Hollywood" might alsowant to purchase this book as well.

While I would like to re-edit myarticle and make a few points in a more coherent manner, I think that byand large, just about all the authors offer something new and refreshingabout a film you might think you know all about. Read Gary Don Rhodes'review of "Of Mice and Men" or Cindy Ruth Collins Smith's reviewof "High Noon" for some scholarly yet supremely entertainingarticles on these films. I think I've said enough. Go out and buy thisbook!- Leonard J. Kohl

Informative and fun to read
The Svehlas of Midnight Marquee, Gary and Susan, have hit upon a unique way of publishing "biographies" in their actors series: by having a several experts on the person profiled contribute essays on variousaspects of his career. "Lon Chaney, Jr." follows "BelaLugosi," "Boris Karloff," and "Vincent Price," andis actually preferable to a recent full-length bio. The reason is thequality of the writing, which is always objective and never boring. Goodwork, folks!

Gave me a new admiration for Chaney's talent
After his short lived stardom resulting from his roles in horror movies (The Frankenstein Monster, The Wolfman, etc.), Lon Chaney developed into a character actor of distinction. That is what I got from this book of hismovies and his life. Despite having to stand in the shadow of his father,despite many personal demons that haunted him,he made a name for himselfas a character actor and played many roles alongside some major stars (forexample, Gary Cooper in HIGH NOON)Since I have read the book, I have anew admiration for his talent. I enjoyed this book very much, and afterreading it will watch Lon Chaney's performances in a much different light. ... Read more

Product Description
Lon Chaney - The Man of a Thousand Faces is the biography of Lon Chaney, an American actor during the age of silent films. He was one of the most versatile and powerful actors of early cinema. He is best remembered for his characterizations of tortured, often grotesque and afflicted characters, and his groundbreaking artistry with film makeup. Chaney is chiefly remembered as a pioneer in such silent horror films as The Hunchback of Notre Dame and most notably The Phantom of the Opera. His ability to transform himself using self-invented makeup techniques earned him the nickname of "Man of a Thousand Faces." Chaney's talents extended far beyond the horror genre, and stage makeup. He was also a highly skilled dancer, singer and comedian. In fact, many people who did not know Chaney were surprised by his rich baritone voice and his sharp comedic skills. Lon Chaney - The Man of a Thousand Faces is highly recommended for those interested in reading more about this talented actor. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Wish I had bothered to read the reviews!
52 pages,mostly filler.Took 15 minutes to read the entire book.Probably could have found all the info online.Book was not worth the price so don't waste your time on this one.

Really less than advertised
Nothing substantial that isn't already avaiable on line. I think the description is misleading for those looking for indepth, and new information. Michael Blakes series of books on Lon Chaney is so much more and really gives you an understanding of the man.As for this book it's not what I expected and really not as it was described.

Not Very Substantial
This slim volume is sufficient for a youngster or someone new to the life of Lon Chaney Sr. who wants a simple and abbreviated account of his life. But the $9.99 price is a little steep for what is essentially a highly abridged glance at the life of a legend. I would recommend any of the Michael Blake books on Lon over this title. ... Read more

Product Description
Late 1929. The Stock market crash. At MGM Studios Irving Thalberg was involved in a power struggle. Lon Chaney's contract was coming up for renewal. Tod Browning, MGM's famed director of the macbre genre for the studio, had left and signed a contract back at his home studio, Universal. Carl Laemmle Jr was made production head of Universal for his father and he wanted to do a film version of Dracula. Carl Sr. agreed, as long as they had Lon Chaney as the star.

Early in August of 1930, Carl Junior, still attempting to sign Chaney for the role, ordered a treatment to be authored by Louis Bromfield. By Mid August he was teamed with screenwriter Dudley Murphy and they began work on the script. Then in the middle of the negotiations, Lon Chaney unexpected by everyone in the film industry, died on August 26th.

This volume of the Atlernate History of Classic Monster Films we present the full first Bromfield treatment, the incomplete first draft screenplay by Bromfield and Murphy.

In addition, when Dracula was finally produced, more in the fashion of the popular 1927 play than the Bram Stoker novel, as was intended by Laemmle for Chaney - A silent version of the Lugosi Dracula was prepared for theaters who had not yet converted to sound. We have also included a complete Title list from this version.

Also included in this volume is a translated version of F.W. Murnau's shooting script for the first screen version of Dracula - filmed in Germany in 1922 and called NOSFERATU, a symphony of horror. Murnau's hand annotations are included in bold print throughout the script. ... Read more

Product Description
RARE FILMFAX #39 MAGAZINE WITH LON CHANEY SR COVER. He reveals his secrets as a makeup master; Lita Grey Chaplin talks about her husband Charlie Chaplin, Menacing of Dennis, Ian Wolfe, Realart Pictures, 50s TV Sea Hunt & more! NICE COLLECTIBLE! ... Read more

Product Description
Movie Still photo of actor Lon Cheney Jr. Being made up for his role as the Mummy in the 1944 film The Mummy's Curse. ... Read more

Product Description
An in-depth look at the film serials of the kings ofhorrorBoris Karloff, Bela Lugosi and Lon Chaney, Jr.Includesinformation on The Hope Diamond Mystery, King of the Kongo, ThePhantom Creeps, Undersea Kingdom and much more.Contains many rarephotos.A must for fans of serials. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Dracula, the Wolf Man and Frankenstein's Monster...weekly, for your pleasure!
Leonard Kohl's book fills a much needed gap in my personal knowledge of cinema history.The serial is a form I remember with great fondness.As a child, it was a part of my first forays into the world on my own when my chums and I hoofed it to the Strand Theater on Saturday mornings for an hour of cartoons, a cowboy double feature, a humiliating go in the yo-yo contest and, of course, to catch the latest installment of .....Radio Patrol....Don Winslow of the Navy...Tim Tyler's Luck...Whatever! By then (circa 1950), the heyday of the cheap and keep-em-coming-back cinema serial was ending and the subjects of Mr. Kohl's excellent work had gone on to bigger things (except, sadly, for Bela Lugosi, who -- as I discovered in "Sinister Serials" -- began his American film career with bigger things, only to slide into the world of serials).

This book is clear, concise, and well written.Kohl spins out the stories of these three seminal film figures and provides us with an outstanding look at a now-past era in film history.An excellent piece of work!

If you're wearing a hat, hold on!!!
Because Mr. Kohl will blow you away!!!! This is a fine book. The research is impeccable. The photos are sublime. Kudos to the author!!! I saw Mr. Kohl give the commencement address at the University of Chicago and the crowd was mesmerized. Most likely, because he hadn't been invited by the school to give it.

Thumbs up for a fine job
Leonard Kohl's first book is a fine effort, a splendid purchase for any fan of the big three horror icons who made serials.It is loaded with interesting facts.Where else could you discover that silent comedy starHarry Langdon almost co-starred with Lugosi in THE WHISPERING SHADOW. Thebook is chock full of rare photos, and they are a genuine treat. Fans ofCharle Chan would be happy to find rare photos of Warner Oland from silentserials.This volume is a recommended purchase.As an author myself, Ican see the hard work and dedication that went ito this volume.

Agreat read, and handy reference, for movie buffs
Kudos to Kohl, who has done a fine job of presenting an informative, and always fair-handed, look at a fascinating period in movie making. This is clearly the product of painstaking research, resulting in a heaping-helping of historical data, elucidating testimonials, with a rich array of pictures to boot. Every true fan of "The Sreamsome Threesome"--Karloff, Lugosi, and Chaney--and the too-often overlooked serials genre, should get their hands on this. ... Read more

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High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a 1923 American film starring Lon Chaney as Quasimodo and Patsy Ruth Miller as Esmeralda, and is directed by Wallace Worsley. The film is the most famous adaptation of Victor Hugo's novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame, aside from the 1996 Disney Adaptation. The film was Universal's "Super Jewel" of 1923 and was their most successful silent film, grossing over $3 million. The film is most notable for the grand sets that recall 15th century Paris as well as Lon Chaney's performance and spectacular make-up as the tortured bell-ringer of Notre Dame. The film elevated Chaney, already a well-known character actor, to full star status in Hollywood. It also helped set a standard for many later horror films, including Chaney's The Phantom of the Opera in 1925. Today, the film is in the public domain. ... Read more