Review of Outside the Law (1921) by Christopher S — 20 May 2009
Tod Browning's atmospheric silent crime melodrama is an early collaboration with screen icon Lon Chaney. As memorable as Chaney's dual role is, it's really only a supporting performance, but Priscilla Dean and Wheeler Oakman make compelling leads.
The story is uneven, but it has some effective suspense scenes and an exciting climax - dated notions of cultural sensitivity and moral judgement aside. A solid early effort, but it pales in comparison to the dark gothic masterpieces Browning and Chaney would make a few years later.
This review of Outside the Law (1921) was written by Christopher S on 20 May 2009.
Outside the Law has generally received positive reviews.
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