Lon Chaney in "Oubliette" (1914)

This is a clip from the silent film "Oubliette" in which Lon Chaney makes a brief appearance as Bertrand de la Pogne. Chaney would later become famous for roles like the Hunchback of Notre Dame and of course the Phantom of the Opera.

This film was believed to be lost - like another Chaney film "London after Midnight" - until a print of "Oubliette" was discovered under a porch during a home renovation in the 1980's. The picture quality is not bad considering this film is close to 100 years old.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Oubliette
• Lon
• Chaney
• silent
• film
• 1914

[cpkphil]

where was the home located under which this was hidden? did they have any idea how it got there?

[jjobie]

The house was in Georgia - I don't have more information on it other than that, although I do know that the print which was found was partially tinted (as was often done with films of the silent era). No word as to how it wound up there, but as the canisters were basically sealed inside the foundation, the film was in nearly perfect condition.

[johnfright]

Yeah, this definately amazing. Y'know, I still have hope for London After Midnight. Foolishly, perhaps... but hope nonetheless.

After all, why not? It keeps the myth.

Thanks for posting, never seen this!

[jjobie]

About L.o.M....I've read some of the accounts that reference 'reviews' by some folks in the industry and elsewhere who saw the film and said at the time that it wasn't Chaney's best work..ironic considering it's probably THE most wanted "lost film" of all time...we may never know for sure.

[Angayasse]

I have heard that it is not lost truly...that itcan be ordered from the US...as johnfright, I am wishing for finding it, too, but can You tell me perhaps that its true or not? I mean that it is not lost. Thank You.

[jjobie]

Ah, if only it was true...unfortunately any and all advertisements by people selling copies of "London after Midnight" here in the U.S. have turned out to be false. There IS a "reconstructed" version available, but it's simply a series of photos/stills/images - and not the actual movie itself :(

[abhi987shek]

I have see a few films of lon chaney. I loved "the unknown". He is the greatest actor of all times. Not only the silent era as some people say. He is great. He was able to express so much with his face that is amazing. I would love to watch all his films if I get them from somewhere

[4MaryAnna]

Lon Chaney Sr.was such a dynamic actor!The only other actor from silents that I think almost matches him is Conrad Veidt,imo.

thanks so much for posting this!

[jjobie]

@Metropofan You can buy the DVD online from Movies Unlimited...

Just do a search on their site for "The Oubliette" and you should be able to find it.

[cpkphil]

that is really strange? I'm surprised it survived.

[MadLizzy1]

Thank you for posting this! It was delightful to see it. Any movie with Lon Chaney is a pleasure to behold.

[horstrnr]

Lon chaney is a favorite of mine and any silent I can see with him in it is a treat. Thx 4 the post. Good quality too.

[Angayasse]

I see...however sad, thank You for the answer...maybe some day, as Oubliette, this will be found too:))