The Penalty

Plot

Blizzard, a bitter and vengeful criminal mastermind, was traumatized as a child when a doctor unnecessarily amputated both his legs following an accident. As an adult, he rises to become the ruthless leader of San Francisco's criminal underworld, using his intelligence and cunning to orchestrate elaborate crimes. Blizzard harbors a deep-seated hatred for society and the medical profession, particularly targeting Dr. Ferris, the man who performed the life-altering surgery. His criminal empire is built on revenge and a desire to prove his superiority over those who wronged him. The film culminates in a dramatic revelation about Blizzard's past and a confrontation that forces him to confront the true nature of his vengeance and disability.

Historical Background

Released in 1920, 'The Penalty' emerged during a period of significant social change in America, following World War I and during the early years of Prohibition. The film's focus on urban crime and corruption reflected growing public concerns about organized crime in major cities. The post-war period saw increased interest in psychological horror and darker themes in cinema, moving away from the more optimistic films of the 1910s. The film also coincided with the rise of the 'feature film' as the dominant form of cinematic entertainment, with longer running times allowing for more complex character development. 1920 was also a pivotal year for the film industry, with the formation of major studios and the establishment of Hollywood as the center of American film production.

Making Of

The production of 'The Penalty' is legendary for Lon Chaney's extreme commitment to his craft. To portray Blizzard, a double amputee, Chaney devised a painful method of binding his legs back with leather harnesses, forcing him to walk on his knees with his lower legs tucked behind him. This apparatus was so constricting that it cut off his circulation and caused him excruciating pain, yet he insisted on performing his own stunts. The film's success was largely due to Chaney's transformative performance, which included contorting his face to create a perpetually angry, vengeful expression. Director Wallace Worsley worked closely with Chaney to maximize the visual impact of his physical transformation, using low camera angles to emphasize Blizzard's intimidating presence despite his physical limitations. The production team built elaborate sets representing San Francisco's criminal underworld, creating an atmosphere of urban decay that complemented the dark themes of the story.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Virgil Miller employed innovative techniques to emphasize Blizzard's physical condition and psychological state. Low camera angles were frequently used to make Blizzard appear more menacing despite his lack of legs, while high angles were used to emphasize his vulnerability. The film used dramatic lighting, particularly in the underground criminal lair scenes, to create shadows that enhanced the film's dark themes. The urban San Francisco settings were filmed with a gritty realism that was unusual for the period, using actual location footage combined with studio sets. The camera work often focused on Chaney's facial expressions, using close-ups to capture the subtle nuances of his performance.

Innovations

The film's most significant technical achievement was Chaney's groundbreaking makeup and physical transformation techniques. The leg-binding apparatus he created was revolutionary in its realism and effectiveness. The film also featured impressive miniature work for the San Francisco cityscape sequences. The production design created a convincing urban underworld environment that influenced future gangster films. The film's editing techniques, particularly in the action sequences, were considered advanced for their time, using cross-cutting to build tension between multiple storylines.

Music

As a silent film, 'The Penalty' would have been accompanied by live musical performances during its original theatrical run. The score would typically have been provided by a theater's organist or small orchestra, following cue sheets provided by the studio. The music would have emphasized the film's dramatic and suspenseful moments, with specific themes for Blizzard's appearances and the action sequences. Modern restorations of the film have been scored by contemporary composers who specialize in silent film music, typically using orchestral arrangements that reflect the film's dark and dramatic tone while remaining authentic to the period's musical style.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening scene showing Blizzard's childhood accident and the subsequent amputation, establishing the origin of his trauma and rage.
• Blizzard's first appearance as an adult, where Chaney's shocking transformation is revealed as he maneuvers himself into a chair using only his upper body strength.
• The underground criminal lair scenes where Blizzard commands his gang from his throne-like chair, demonstrating his power despite his physical limitations.
• The climactic confrontation between Blizzard and Dr. Ferris, where the full extent of Blizzard's revenge plot is revealed.
• The final scene where Blizzard's true identity and motivations are exposed, leading to his emotional breakdown and redemption.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised Lon Chaney's extraordinary performance as Blizzard, with many calling it one of the most remarkable screen transformations they had ever witnessed. The New York Times noted Chaney's 'uncanny ability to create a character of terrifying intensity through physical contortion alone.' Modern critics recognize the film as a landmark in Chaney's career and an important early example of the psychological thriller genre. While some modern critics critique the film's portrayal of disability, most acknowledge its historical significance and Chaney's groundbreaking performance. The film is often cited as a prime example of the artistic heights that silent cinema could achieve through physical performance rather than dialogue.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1920 were shocked and fascinated by Chaney's transformation into Blizzard, with many theatergoers initially believing that Chaney was actually a double amputee. The film was a box office success, particularly in urban areas where its crime themes resonated with contemporary concerns about organized crime. Reports from the time suggest that some audience members fainted during scenes featuring Chaney's character, so convincing was his portrayal. The film's success helped establish Chaney as a major star and demonstrated audience appetite for darker, more psychologically complex films. Modern audiences who discover the film through revival screenings and home video continue to be impressed by Chaney's performance and the film's atmospheric storytelling.

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