[Part 1/2] Lon Chaney: The Man Behind a Thousand Faces

This is a documentary made to acknowledge the under appreciated, yet versatile, silent film actor, Lon Chaney. Mr. Chaney was a citizen of Colorado Springs and is known throughout the world for his achievements in make-up artistry, character acting, and numerous iconic roles such as The Phantom of the Opera, and as Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Although he accomplished great work within his field and film history, he has never received proper recognition for his achievements.

Through interviews with Tom Savini (renowned Hollywood make-up artist), Robert von Dassanowsky (esteemed UCCS film professor/film expert and historian), and Bob Lillie (Colorado Springs city auditorium organist/Chaney historian), we tried to illustrate the life and achievements of this fascinating individual. The production staff consisting of Nathan Ward, Kevin Beechwood, Kaley Ramirez, Kelley Ponce, Chris Stroh, and Matt Foster is currently trying to stimulate a movement to recognize the achievements of Lon Chaney through naming a boulevard in Colorado Springs after him and/or the construction of a statue downtown.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• lon chaney
• colorado springs
• slantsixx
• uccs
• tom savini
• robert von dassanowsky
• bob lillie

[jjobie]

I don't know if I'd consider Mr. Chaney Sr. underappreciated - I mean, some of his movie roles are icons of the early cinema.

[Slantsixx]

For such a great actor appearing in over 150 films, and pioneering makeup techniques to have only one small theater in his hometown that very few people know about in a decaying building that is on the brink of being torn down should say something. He may not be under appreciated everywhere, but as Dassanowsky says, there should be a boulevard named after him in Colorado Springs.

[sonofaurora]

From an actor's point of view, If you forget the makeup and the iconic characters he played, he was a tremendous actor of unbelievable depth. Forget about the "Method" form of acting, watch Lon Chaney and you'll learn something about the Art of being a good actor. Let's face it, the man could say more with his eyes and a simple gesture, than any of the so called "stars" of today!

[5inchreel]

A master in all respects.

[pyperirvin]

An amazing actor, his old pictures still give me the creeps.

[irinayugiohfan]

What film is at 2:35 - 3:02?

[YoungSHolmesfan]

It's so sad that Lon has gone unappreciative! I LOVE him! I try to show my friends who he is. Then when I talk about him, they'll know who I'm talking about. Some don't even like him! *GASP!* He's the best of the best! So is Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin. Silent films are awesome!!! :)

[The420Destroyer]

Lon Chaney isn't realatively unknown today. He's the master.

[brownpatfred]

what can one say lon chaney IS the master

[TheDorr71]

@sonofaurora you are so right,the same can be said for Buster Keaton

[Crackpot7272]

Genius!

[NickBFilms]

@NickBFilms *Chaney

[NickBFilms]

lon chane-best silent film actor ever