NH
New York Times (Mordaunt Hall)
Mordaunt Hall hailed the film's direction, performances, and story as "the finest production we have yet seen," praising its overall quality.
After a baron steals his scientific discoveries, runs away with his wife, and slaps him in public, a man joins a Parisian circus sideshow as a clown whose act consists of being slapped repeatedly and becomes infatuated with a showgirl colleague whose father intends to marry her off to the baron.
Critical Consensus
7.7
IMDb
7.5
TMDB
The film received widespread critical acclaim and was profitable upon release, with many critics praising its direction and Lon Chaney's performance. It was later recognized for its cultural significance and selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.
The Cast
Trivia
He Who Gets Slapped was the first film produced entirely by the newly formed Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
The film was not MGM's first released movie, as it was held until the Christmas season when higher attendance was expected.
It was also the first film to feature a lion as the mascot for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
With a budget of $172,000, the film was highly profitable, grossing $881,000, and was critically hailed.
In 2017, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being 'culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant'.
Reviews
0 reviews
Avg: 0.0 / 5
Critics
LM
Leonard Maltin
Leonard Maltin awarded the film three out of four stars, describing it as a suitable "Pagliacci-type vehicle" for Lon Chaney.
AW
Allmovie (Hans J. Wollstein)
Hans J. Wollstein of Allmovie gave a positive review, specifically commending the strong performances by Chaney and McDermott.
TT
The New York Times
The New York Times lauded it as a "flawlessly directed" and "beautifully told" shadow drama, calling it "the finest production" and praising Chaney's "marvelous performance."
V
Variety
Variety called the film "a mighty fine screen entertainment," praising its capable acting and direction, and highlighting Lon Chaney as "possibly the greatest character actor."
P
Photoplay
Photoplay declared that Lon Chaney delivered "the best work of his career" in the film, showcasing breadth, force, and imagination in his performance.
MW
Movie Weekly
Movie Weekly highlighted Chaney's "perfect" makeup and his "magnificent performance" full of pathos, which evoked strong emotional responses.
NW
New York World
The New York World praised Lon Chaney's "faithful and knowing" performance as the tragic clown, stating he was "the real triumph" of the film.
Audience
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