After Baron Regnard (Marc MacDermott) steals both his greatest invention and his wife, scientist Paul Beaumont (Lon Chaney) loses all self-regard and joins a circus sideshow to become the most famous clown in France, known as "He Who Gets Slapped" by other clowns. When Paul falls in love with bareback rider Consuelo (Norma Shearer), she and her partner, Brazo (John Gilbert), mock him. He is heartbroken, but determined to shield Consuelo when Regnard shows sudden romantic interest in her.
- Synopsis courtesy of
Tribune Media Service
Film Credits
Director: Victor Seastrom
Producer: Louis Mayer and Irving Thalberg
Cast: Lon Chaney, Norma Shearer, John Gilbert, Tully Marshall, Marc MacDermott, Ford Sterling, Harvey Clarke, Paulette Duval, Ruth King, Clyde Cook, Brandon Hurst and George Davis