FREAKS / THE UNKNOWN / THE MYSTIC: TOD BROWNING'S

Two-disc set includes: The Mystic (1925)At loose ends in Hungary, American grifter Michael Nash (Conway Tearle) caught the carny act of phony clairvoyant Zara (Aileen Pringle) and her cronies, and convinced them to come to Manhattan in order to fleece the social elite. The initally profitable scam, however, might run aground because of Nash's emerging feelings for Zara-if the NYC bunco squad doesn't get them first. Hard-to-find effort from Tod Browning also stars Mitchell Lewis, Robert Ober, Gladys Hulette. 70 min. Silent with music score. BW/Rtg: NR The Unknown (1927)Between his incredibly dexterous feet and feigning double amputation, a fugitive criminal (Lon Chaney) enjoyed cover as carnival knife-thrower "Alonzo the Armless." However, he was also hopelessly in love with the ringmaster's phobic daughter (Joan Crawford)... and he'd engage in a stunningly drastic maneuver to win her heart. Signature and stunning psychodrama collaboration for Chaney and director Tod Browning also stars Norman Kerry, Nick de Ruiz, John George. 63 min. Silent with music score. BW/Rtg: NR Freaks (1932)Definitely a film made before it's time, Tod Browning's ("Dracula") drama of circus life's minimal plot (a dwarf is poisoned by a "normal" trapeze artist and her lover for his money) is eclipsed by unforgettable scenes with actual sideshow performers, including Siamese twins, pinheads, armless and legless wonders, and other "mistakes of nature." Banned for many years, this pre-Code horror from M-G-M stars Harry Earles, Olga Baclanova, Wallace Ford, Leila Hyams, Daisy and Violet Hilton, Johnny Eck, and Schlitzie. 62 min. BW/Rtg: NR Standard; Soundtrack: English; Subtitles: English (SDH); audio commentary; featurettes; image gallery; more.