Updated RankingThe Unholy Three (1925)
★ ★ ★ – OkayThe first of 8 Browning films starring Lon Chaney would be a career highlight for both of them, and solidly superior to the 1930 talkie also starring Chaney. Unusual con/crime plot is impossible to believe on any level, and yet Browning effectively drips the nonsense with pathos, making for a surprisingly satisfying journey with a beautiful final scene.
The Thirteenth Chair (1929)
★ ★ Murder-mystery and mysticism make for a whole lot of hooey. Early sound film that demonstrates the importance of good casting by having thick-accented Bela Lugosi play the inspector asking all the questions.
Outside the Law (1930)
★ ★Sentimental gangster film where a hug from a child has a gangster’s girl questioning her entire life. Mostly of interest to watch Edward G. Robinson take a first crack at his Little Caesar gangster.
Miracles for Sale (1939)
★ ★ ★ – OkayMurder Mystery set in a world of magicians and fake psychics is my kind of fun. (Not to mention Mrs. 1SO who is going to Love this come Shocktober.) Reminded me of the 80s thriller F/X where revealing movie magic is a nice, nougaty center. Robert Young is his usual bland self, but there’s also Henry Hull, the hammiest ham of this era, and the always dependable William Demarest.