Kenneth Branagh narrated this film--which is good because of his excellent voice and delivery. He also narrated another great ode of early filmmaking, "Cinema Europe: The Other Hollywood"--another must-see film--if you can find it (it's out of print and not on Netflix). As for "Lon Chaney: A Thousand Faces", it IS available but is a bit difficult to find. It's on the DVD for one of Chaney's greatest films, "The Unknown"--and what a special feature it turned out to be! The film is VERY complete and not at all rushed--like most other biographies on Chaney I've seen. Apart from this film, they simply tried to cram too much into a half hour or hour. However, at nearly two hours, the film has a chance to adequately explain the life of this great man. And, while footage of his early films is almost non-existent today, what they did have was included--as well as lots of his films from his most notable years. All in all, a loving tribute to perhaps the greatest of all silent stars. And, a must for lovers of the silents like myself. Exquisitely made throughout.
By the way, there were MANY interviewees and the most fascinating for me was the man who discussed the common myths of Chaney's makeup. Despite widely accepted stories to the contrary, aside from the discomfort when he strapped his legs behind him to play a legless man, his makeup was NOT painful and as difficult as press stories alleged. He was very dedicated to his craft, but Chaney was NOT crazy--as the stories might suggest!!
By the way, there were MANY interviewees and the most fascinating for me was the man who discussed the common myths of Chaney's makeup. Despite widely accepted stories to the contrary, aside from the discomfort when he strapped his legs behind him to play a legless man, his makeup was NOT painful and as difficult as press stories alleged. He was very dedicated to his craft, but Chaney was NOT crazy--as the stories might suggest!!