The Unholy Three (1930)

The only reason I decided to watch this was because this was Lon Chaney Sr.'s only talkie movie as he'd untimely die after this came out. I had not seen his previous silent one and while I had the option to also check that out from my local library, I just decided to see this version, for now. It's not bad as an early sound film and I appreciated the humor of some scenes but, like others commenting here, I did have trouble hearing some of the little person Harry Earles' words when he spoke them as well as that of the strongman played by Ivan Linow. Lila Lee wasn't bad as the pickpocket-turned-betrayer Rosie and neither was Elliott Nugent as her eventual boyfriend though he had more success when he turned director of various Bob Hope comedies. It was also a nice surprise that part of this film took place on Christmas Eve since the holiday just passed as you can tell by the date of this review. Oh, and yes, Lon was fine voice-wise whether doing his own or that of an old woman when wearing a disguise and also as a dummy's voice when throwing it as well as a parrot. Maybe a haunting music score could have helped in some scenes but overall, this version of The Unholy Three was good enough that I say this is worth a look.

The talkie version of Tod Browning's 1925 film is competently, if unimaginatively, directed by Jack Conway. Lon Chaney, brilliant in his final role, reprises his role of Echo, the criminal ventriloquist who, along with cronies Harry Earles and Ivan Linow, opens a pet shop specializing in "talking" parrots. Of course, they have nefarious intentions. Things are complicated when Chaney's pickpocket girlfriend Lila Lee falls in love with unsuspecting clerk Elliott Nugent. It's a twisted story, full of humor and suspense. The movie takes on the feel of a macabre bedroom farce as Chaney, in the guise of kindly old lady, frantically tries to dupe his patrons and the police. Lee is terrific (and fetching) as a hard-edged floozy and Nugent is appropriately naive. He looks a little like Harold Lloyd! Earles is effectively creepy but awfully hard to understand. When he dons a baby's gown and is pushed around in a carriage by Chaney, it difficult not to think he was the inspiration for WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT's tough talking Baby Herman. An undeniable classic.

This is most notable as MGM superstar Lon Chaney's last feature film - and only "talkie" - he succumbed to cancer at age 47, as it was being released. "The Unholy Three" (1925) was one of Mr. Chaney's greatest silent triumphs, and this version is an inferior re-make. However, Chaney is revealed to be in fine voice. He was ranked the #1 male "Box Office Star" 1928-29, according to the industry standard "Quigley Poll"; and, would have certainly continued to be successful. Chaney's illness doesn't seem to hurt his performance; and, he enhances his earlier characterization; note, for example, how Chaney's "Grandma" testifies for Elliott Nugent (as Hector McDonald).While Chaney is fine, the film suffers in other areas. Most obviously, Harry Earles (repeating his role as Tweedledee) has not yet mastered the English language, and is often very difficult to understand (when he should be understood). And, the "Gorilla climax" sequence doesn't play as well in this version. In the original, as directed by Tod Browning, the gorilla was menacing; here, it's more humorous. Also, Chaney's treatment of Lila Lee (as Rosie O'Grady) seems too violent with sound. Watch him slap Ms. Lee so hard you can see the impression (make-up) on her left cheek. "I'll even take that from you, Echo," she replies.Chaney's last words: "I'll send you a postal card." ******* The Unholy Three (7/3/30) Jack Conway ~ Lon Chaney, Lila Lee, Harry Earles, Elliott Nugent

The Unholy Three is a disappointing and sad picture to watch, not because it was bad but because death looms over Lon Chaney. I find it amazing how terrific he is in his talkie debut despite the fact that we was in pain for the entire production of this film. The Unholy Three isn't a great picture, it's better than mediocre at best but the fact remains is that Chaney was able to go out on a high note with so many questions left. Todd Browning's original Unholy Three is by far the superior picture it is darker and Chaney shows more undertones of villainy in it, as a remake this picture doesn't capture the spirit of the original at all. Harry Earles is one actor who could have remained silent, his voice is completely not understandable. In remaking the picture they should have given more dialouge to the Hercules character because he is merely a prop in the grand scheme of things.The problem with this picture is that that Conway doesn't understand the material. I wanted Todd Browning the entire picture. This one is far too light and the mood isn't as foreboding as it should have been. The scene with the detective in the original picture is full of suspense but here it lacks any dramatic conviction.Chaney's voice is the draw to this film and rightfully so. Well what did I think of it? I was somewhat disappointed, I wish he had done a picture that we hadn't seen before with it. He is very good but it takes away much of the mysterious allure that surrounded him and his characters. He does give a terrific performance though and I have no doubts that he could have enjoyed a long and illustrious career in the talkies. The fact is what we are seeing here isn't up to Chaney's full potential because keep in mind he was suffering from lung cancer at the time. The scene where Granny O'Grady goes for her cough syrup bi t at my soul. It is entirely fitting that Lon Chaney ends his career and sadly his life with that old gip "THat's all there is to life, just a little laugh, a little tear."