The Monster (1925)

The Monster, directed by early master of terror and possible murderer of Thelma Todd, Roland West, is--in terms of sheer ability to create suspense and terror--probably the most effective silent horror film I've ever seen. This is due both to a particularly menacing performance from the great Lon Chaney and a good script.

After a shocker opening in which a strange Hobgoblin-like man purposely causes a car crash and drags away the body, the film begins as a lighthearted comedy amongst its protagonists. In fact, the intertitles in the first fifteen minutes are quite amusing, with lines like "[the] detectives deduce a few deductions" and "Johnny Goodlittle -- he has ambition, which in Dansburg is as bad as having eczema." This comedy section introduces us to the characters, Johnny the meek amateur detective, Amos his wealthy, pompous boss, and the woman they both love.

By chance, all three of them end up trapped in an old sanitarium, which is being run by the genuinely frightening Dr. Ziska (Lon Chaney)--whom we meet in an amazing entrance. Ziska, it takes a second or two to realize, is evil. He's a mad scientist and a hypnotist ta boot. He keeps the creepy Hobgoblin Rigo in a trance to do his bidding. Another servant is an enormous Arab who seems to have just been spit out of an Arabian Nights tale. A third servant, Dan, is too insane to even be dangerous, though he tries his best.

At this point The Monster becomes an old dark house film; a highly successful one, in fact. Dr. Ziska keeps the group locked in the house and gradually tries to manipulate them for ends we just know must be sinister. In the meanwhile, the group tries to find a way out of the house before it's too late.

Every time I've had a chance to see one of Roland West's films, the same thought has occurred to me, "How was he doing this so long ago?" In many of the things West pulls off, he is years, decades ahead of his time. Johnny's duel with Rigo is the most stand-out moment in this one, taking place suspended on power lines.

The film is stylishly shot, obviously taking some hints from German expressionism. The actors are quite good, especially Lon Chaney. The heroes are likable; the villains are truly menacing and interesting. Most importantly, though, is that the suspense really works. It's the only silent horror film that ever successfully made me feel terror and it succeeding in doing so several times.

I highly recommend viewing this one if you get the chance. It has played on TCM, which is where I got my copy from. It's also available to download if you look. This is especially a must for Lon Chaney fans.