The 1928 classic film THE MAN WHO LAUGHS has entered the public domain

The silent film of 1928, The man who laughsa film that inspired the creation of Batman’s iconic villain, The Joker, entered the public domain today, Monday, January 1, 2024.

The man who laughs it was directed by the German director Paolo Leni, and is based on the novel of the same name by Victor Hugo. The film is a dark and atmospheric melodrama set in 17th century England and follows the tragic life of Gwynplaine, a disfigured man with a perpetual smile etched onto his boyish face.

Raised by a group of vagrants, Gwynplaine becomes a famous sideshow attraction due to his grotesque appearance. In a context of political intrigue and social cruelty, he falls in love with Dea, a blind girl, giving life to a touching and unconventional love story.

Corrado Veidt he is the protagonist of the film and gives a haunting performance. Gwynplaine’s portrayal of him, a man with a grotesque, permanent smile, is both physically demanding and emotionally charged. Veidt conveys a complex range of emotions through his eyes and body language. He successfully brings out Gwynplaine’s inner turmoil and anguish, making the audience empathize with his tragic fate. His work in “The Man Who Laughs” remains a highlight in cinematic history, leaving a lasting impact on audiences even decades after its release.

James Gunn recently said of Conrad Veidt: “Conrad Veidt in Paul Leni’s The Man Who Laughs (1928), based on Victor Hugo’s novel. The film was a silent romantic melodrama: Veidt’s character was the hero; the smile was carved on his face like a boy by a Comprachico (a fictional group of people who reshaped the physical appearance of children as a pruner would a Bonsai tree.) Bill Finger, Kane and Jerry Robinson disagreed on a lot, but they all agreed that Veidt’s portrayal was the inspiration for the Joker in the comics.”

Now that the film is in the public domain, anyone has the freedom to do what they want with it. Remember when The Amityville Horror went into the public domain, hundreds of crappy movies were made. I can see the same thing happening with The man who laughsbut I hope this doesn’t happen.