....this would be just another above average romantic melodrama. Browning draws you into the first scene with his eerie montage of faces that illustrate the stream of London's Limehouse district. Dan Tate (Chaney) alias "the Blackbird" plies his crooked trade of thievery but meanwhile his brother, a twisted cripple, beloved by all and known as the Bishop, runs a benevolent society and is praised for his good works. Chaney's character has more in common with his "Frog" character from "The Miracle Man" and he provides a fascinating glimpse into how he uses contortions to turn himself into the deformed character. Almost a lesson in the art of illusion because it shows from the start that the Blackbird and the Bishop are one and the same, courtesy of a row that Tate stages between himself and the Bishop when the police come to question him about the latest robbery. Tate's haunt is the local music hall and the film grinds to a snail's pace as characters are introduced and the story line is developed. There is Limehouse Polly (Doris Lloyd), Tate's first wife, who feels there is a spark of goodness in him - but she is wrong. The Blackbird is as hard as steel and also has his eye on Fifi Lorraine (Adoree) a petite little French performer.
She in turn catches the eye of "West End Bertie" who is with a party slumming in the seedier clubs, however he is a jewel thief who has robbed his own group to throw suspicion on the Blackbird. Tate sees through his game and together they strike up a deal. It is here that the movie loses it's way for me - the weak spot is Owen Moore. His character needed an actor like Clive Brook to give it humour and heart. Moore pumps ice water through "West End Bertie's" veins and how a captivating personality like Fifi finds Bertie the man of her dreams is a real mystery. He has all the sneering expressions down pat, just not the real feelings. Anyway they fall in love and visit the Bishop for his blessing but he does his best to throw doubt and distrust between them.
Definitely the best parts are the atmospheric sets, the titles that really capture the colourful Cockney language, Doris Lloyd as Polly who makes her character well rounded and heartfelt, Rene Adoree's beautifully expressive face and of course Lon Chaney. I agree with the other reviewers, Chaney's face just compels the narrative - no titles are needed, you can tell his exact thoughts about Polly. He purposely disregards her when she is pouring out her heart. Lon also makes that whole scene involving the meeting of Fifi and the realisation that he has a rival mesmerizing - you can read everything on his face. And when the Blackbird's character overpowers the "kindly" Bishop - watch out!!!
She in turn catches the eye of "West End Bertie" who is with a party slumming in the seedier clubs, however he is a jewel thief who has robbed his own group to throw suspicion on the Blackbird. Tate sees through his game and together they strike up a deal. It is here that the movie loses it's way for me - the weak spot is Owen Moore. His character needed an actor like Clive Brook to give it humour and heart. Moore pumps ice water through "West End Bertie's" veins and how a captivating personality like Fifi finds Bertie the man of her dreams is a real mystery. He has all the sneering expressions down pat, just not the real feelings. Anyway they fall in love and visit the Bishop for his blessing but he does his best to throw doubt and distrust between them.
Definitely the best parts are the atmospheric sets, the titles that really capture the colourful Cockney language, Doris Lloyd as Polly who makes her character well rounded and heartfelt, Rene Adoree's beautifully expressive face and of course Lon Chaney. I agree with the other reviewers, Chaney's face just compels the narrative - no titles are needed, you can tell his exact thoughts about Polly. He purposely disregards her when she is pouring out her heart. Lon also makes that whole scene involving the meeting of Fifi and the realisation that he has a rival mesmerizing - you can read everything on his face. And when the Blackbird's character overpowers the "kindly" Bishop - watch out!!!