A professional clown and a self-indulgent count learn to help each other with their problems, but then become romantic rivals.
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Title: Laugh, Clown, Laugh (1928)
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1 win & 2 nominations.
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Cast
| Complete credited cast: | |||
| Lon Chaney | ... | Tito | |
| Bernard Siegel | ... | Simon | |
| Loretta Young | ... | Simonetta | |
| Cissy Fitzgerald | ... | Giancinta (as Cissy Fitz-Gerald) | |
| Nils Asther | ... | Luigi | |
| Gwen Lee | ... | Lucretia | |
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
As professional clowns Tito and Simon are traveling, they happen upon an abandoned child, whom they take in and name Simonetta. When Simonetta is older, she becomes a circus performer herself. One day she is looking for roses, and climbs into the garden of Count Luigi Ravelli. The count becomes infatuated with her, but she leaves as soon as possible. Sometime later, Ravelli consults a doctor about his fits of uncontrollable laughter, and there he meets Tito, who has come to seek help for his fits of uncontrollable weeping. The two decide to help each other, and they establish a friendship, but problems arise when they realize that they are both in love with Simonetta. Written by Snow Leopard
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What did he hide behind his painted smile? See more »Genres:
DramaCertificate:
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Trivia
Circus Performer Hilda Nelson, whose whole Family were Circus People/Acrobats taught Lon Chaney to walk the wire and doubled for Loretta Young on the tightrope. See more »Quotes
Title Card: [First Lines] Spring comes early in the Italian hills. Peasant hearts are light - and the voice of the travelling circus is heard in the land...See more »
Alternate Versions
An alternate "happier" ending was shot and was available to theaters who did not like the original. Unfortunately this no longer exists. See more »Frequently Asked Questions
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
NoneRelease Date:
14 April 1928 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Ríe, payaso, ríe See more »Edit
Box Office
Budget:
$293,000 (estimated)Company Credits
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A clown afflicted with terrible melancholy and an Italian Count plagued by uncontrollable laughter seek solace with the girl they both love.
LAUGH, CLOWN, LAUGH is a silent showcase for the dramatic skills of Lon Chaney. No phantoms or monsters here; no belfries, dungeons or secret laboratories. What you do have is a rather simple story set against a circus backdrop, the milieu which was so dear to Chaney's heart. Here is a clown tormented; even though consumed with love for his young protégée, he cannot put his feelings into words. No need--his marvelously expressive face, even when hidden by greasepaint, poignantly portrays every emotion. Chaney once again displays his talent as one of the supreme actors of the American Silent Film.
Nils Asther enters the movie playing a rich cad, but his character is allowed to grow into rather more than that. Deftly underplaying his role he provides a nice counterpart to Chaney. Beautiful Loretta Young has little to do except look lovely and that is enough.
MGM has given the film superior production values, which was the fitting respect shown for one of their most important stars.
H. Scott Salinas has composed an excellent film score which perfectly complements the action on the screen.