The Monster – Silent (1925)

Description

The Monster is a 1925 American silent horror comedy film directed by Roland West, based on the play by Crane Wilbur, and starring Lon Chaney and Johnny Arthur. It is remembered as an antecedent “old dark house” movie, as well as a precedent to several horror film subgenres. The film has been shown on the TCM network with an alternative, uncredited musical score. Roland West went on to direct The Bat (1926) and its later sound remake The Bat Whispers (1930).

Cast:

• Lon Chaney as Dr. Gustave Ziska
• Johnny Arthur as Johnny Goodlittle
• Gertrude Olmstead as Betty Watson
• Hallam Cooley as Amos Rugg
• Charles Sellon as Russ Mason, a constable
• Walter James as Caliban
• Knute Erickson as Daffy Dan
• George Austin as Rigo
• Edward McWade as Luke Watson, Betty’s father
• Ethel Wales as Mrs Watson, Betty’s mother
• Herbert Prior as Doctor Edwards
• Matthew Betz as Detective Jennings