There cannot be a discussion about silent films, without mentioning Lon Chaney. He was able to do things that were incredible. He could contort his body into unnatural positions. He sketched his characters and applied his own makeup. He endured physical pain for some roles, like Phantom of the Opera and The Hunchback of NotreDame. He showed expressions like no other. This was of course a vital skill in silent movies. He could identify with many of his characters. He endured emotional and physical pain. Chaney’s parents were deaf. This gave him a deep understanding of people who were different than others. This helped him to become an accomplished actor. His first wife tried to commit suicide. He was estranged from his son, because he lied about his mother. His life was was shortened by cancer in 1930. He left an enduring legacy, which includes The Blackbird.
The movie takes place in a seedy part of London. Chaney plays two roles. He is a crook named Dan, AKA The Blackbird. He also has a fictitious twin brother, The Bishop who runs a shelter for less fortunate people. Dan also uses it as a front for his criminal activities. He hangs out in a seedy pub. This is also where West End Bertie, (Owen Moore), his competitor in crime enjoys the company of rich people/marks. These two disreputable people are on the road to prison. That is until they meet Fifi Lorraine, (Renee Adoree). The actress, fresh off her success in The Big Parade, gives a very good performance.
Dan and Bertie both fall hard for Fifi. Bertie however uses his charm to sway her. Dan is broken-hearted but doesn’t give up. The couple ask Dan’s alter ego to marry them. He says he will only do this, if Bertie returns all of his stolen goods. Bertie is so smitten with Fifi, that he agrees. Fifi even overcomes her shock and disgust at her lover’s chosen profession, because of his snake oil salesman’s charm.
Dan is angered over Fifi’s choice. This is despite the love of Limehouse Polly, (Doris Lloyd). The police are tipped off about West End Bertie. They go to his house, and he flees, but a policeman is shot, by Dan. He hopes this will land Bertie in jail. Dan even goes so far as to hide Bertie. He then lies to Fifi, hoping she will leave Bertie for him. This film becomes a story about the extremes people will go to for love.
This movie is based on a story written by Tod Browning, who also directed it. This is one of several films helmed by Browning and starring his good friend Chaney. They made a formidable team, and Browning was hoping that he would direct the actor in Dracula. It is said that Browning’s heart wasn’t in that film, because of the grief he felt over the recently departed Chaney.
Lon Chaney made over 150 films in fifteen years. This movie has him with his signature body contortions. He pretends to be crippled, bending his leg upwards, and using a crutch playing The Bishop. Chaney said he liked playing people who were outside society. It was a challenge for his acting. The Blackbird isn’t known as one of the actor’s best movies. It still features the most well rounded actor of the silent era. That is reason enough to watch this movie.