The Unholy Three (1930 film)
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The Unholy Three, 1930 remake, was the first talkie and last film of Lon Chaney, Sr., showing him, on the far right, of the theatrical film poster
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| Directed by | Jack Conway |
| Produced by | Irving Thalberg (uncredited) |
| Written by | J.C. Nugent Elliott Nugent |
| Based on |
The Unholy Three by Clarence Aaron "Tod" Robbins |
| Starring |
Lon Chaney Lila Lee Elliott Nugent Harry Earles John Miljan Ivan Linow |
| Music by | William Axt (uncredited) |
| Cinematography | Percy Hilburn |
| Edited by | Frank Sullivan |
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| Distributed by | Loew's Inc. |
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Release date
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Running time
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72 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $988,000 |
The Unholy Three is a 1930 American Pre-Code melodrama involving a crime spree, directed by Jack Conway and starring Lon Chaney. The film is a remake of the 1925 film of the same name, with both films based on the novel The Unholy Three, by Clarence Aaron "Tod" Robbins.
In both versions, the roles of Professor Echo and Tweedledee are played by Lon Chaney and Harry Earles respectively. This film is notable for the fact that it was Chaney's last film, as well as his only talkie. Chaney died from throat cancer one month after the film's release.
A sideshow is closed by the police after Tweedledee (Harry Earles), the embittered "Twenty Inch Man", kicks a young boy, starting a riot. Echo, the ventriloquist, proposes that Tweedledee, the strongman Hercules (Ivan Linow), and he leave and, as "The Unholy Three", use their talents to commit crimes. Echo also takes along his pickpocket girlfriend Rosie (Lila Lee) and his gorilla, whom Hercules fears.
Echo disguises himself as Mrs. O'Grady, a kindly old grandmother who runs a pet shop. Tweedledee pretends to be her baby grandson, and Hercules her son-in-law. They use the information they gain from their wealthier patrons to rob them. Echo is the leader and brains behind the outfit, but his bossy ways leave the other two resentful. Meanwhile, the shop's clerk, Hector McDonald (Elliott Nugent), falls in love with Rosie.
The gang is ready to pull off a theft on Christmas Eve. When Echo decides to postpone it, Tweedledee and Hercules go ahead without him. Afterwards, Tweedledee gleefully recounts how they not only robbed but also killed the wealthy Mr. Arlington, despite his pleas for mercy. Worried about the police, they decide to frame Hector by planting a stolen necklace in his closet.
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Wikipedia