IMDb RATING
7.5/10
2.1K
YOUR RATING
A professional clown and a self-indulgent count learn to help each other with their problems, but then become romantic rivals.A professional clown and a self-indulgent count learn to help each other with their problems, but then become romantic rivals.A professional clown and a self-indulgent count learn to help each other with their problems, but then become romantic rivals.
- Awards
- 1 win & 2 nominations
Cissy Fitzgerald
- Giancinta
- (as Cissy Fitz-Gerald)
Robert Brower
- Stage Manager
- (uncredited)
Julie DeValora
- Nurse
- (uncredited)
Helena Dime
- Lady at Luigi's Party
- (uncredited)
Leo Feodoroff
- Minor Role
- (uncredited)
Frankie Genardi
- Little Boy at Tito's Death
- (uncredited)
Lilliana Genardi
- Little Girl at Tito's Death
- (uncredited)
Betsy Ann Hisle
- Little Girl at Tito's Death
- (uncredited)
Emmett King
- Doctor
- (uncredited)
Carl M. Leviness
- Party Guest
- (uncredited)
Mickey McBan
- Oldest Boy at Tito's Death
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaHerbert Brenon reportedly loved to pick on and ridicule a 14-year-old Loretta Young (Note: Young turned 15 on day 18 of the 45-day shoot.) in her first big role, but was civil with her whenever Lon Chaney was present on the set. Chaney noticed this and never left her side, even if his character wasn't needed for shooting that day. He directed her throughout the shoot and became her surrogate father on the project. "I shall be beholden to that sensitive, sweet man until I die", said Young of Chaney.
- Quotes
Simon, aka Flok: Laugh, clown, laugh... even though your heart is breaking!
- Alternate versionsAn alternate "happier" ending was shot and was available to theaters who did not like the original. Unfortunately this no longer exists.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Lon Chaney: A Thousand Faces (2000)
Featured review
Laugh, Clown, Laugh (1928) ***
I can't say I am surprised by Lon Chaney's fine performance here, as he continues to impress me with every film I see of his for the first time. Here he plays a clown named Tito, who comes across an abandoned little girl one day and decides to take her in and bring her up, naming her Simonetta. As the years progress, Simonetta develops into a beautiful young woman (Loretta Young) and Tito begins to fall in love with her. Problem is, so too has a young Count, with whom Tito must compete. But the magic is that we get to see Chaney's heart being broken even though he has to work as a laughing and joyful clown while crying on the inside.
I wouldn't say the movie is exceptional, but it's got sentiment and Chaney is very good. I found Loretta Young to be quite attractive, but I later discovered she was only 14 at the time (oops). You know, I'm surprised more people haven't talked about the incestuous implications of a film like this one, considering that the Chaney character was more or less the girl's "father". Not that I mind, you understand; these things do occur, and it's not like the girl was Tito's own flesh and blood or anything. But I do have to wonder why people didn't cut Woody Allen the same slack? *** out of ****
I wouldn't say the movie is exceptional, but it's got sentiment and Chaney is very good. I found Loretta Young to be quite attractive, but I later discovered she was only 14 at the time (oops). You know, I'm surprised more people haven't talked about the incestuous implications of a film like this one, considering that the Chaney character was more or less the girl's "father". Not that I mind, you understand; these things do occur, and it's not like the girl was Tito's own flesh and blood or anything. But I do have to wonder why people didn't cut Woody Allen the same slack? *** out of ****
helpful•30
- JoeKarlosi
- Jan 5, 2009
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Ríe, payaso, ríe
- Filming locations
- Jewett Estate, 1145 Arden Road, Pasadena, California, USA(Count's estate)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $293,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 13 minutes
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1
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