It is hard to believe that I have never come across a film starring Lon Chaney, Johnny Arthur, and Gertrude Olmstead until recently.  I occasionally have read books on film and silent films and do not recall any mention of “The Monster”, which was an American film released in 1925 and according to “Wikipedia”, “the film only earned $55,600 for the [opening] week…the film could be considered the first horror film in history to top the North American box office because the gross reported by “Variety” was the highest amount listed for that week in theaters nationwide.”  Also, I was extremely impressed with the stunts, comedic timing, and charisma of the protagonist played by Johnny Arthur.  He was an actor that in my opinion did not get the recognition he so deserved and maybe he didn’t want that, but he shines in “The Monster” and shows similar ability to Buster Keaton in the film.  I plan to watch more films starring Johnny Arthur.  He actually outshines Lon Chaney and that’s not an easy task and very well may be the only time ever achieved.  

“The Monster” was “released with lavish color tints” that effectively evoked an ominous mood.  Being a mixed genre film, I would say comedy, horror, sci-fi, adventure, and romance.  The screenplay was written by Willard Mack and Albert Kenyon and based on the 1922 play of the same name by Crane Wilbur.  I was a theatre minor, so I was inspired to read the play’s script.  Maybe I’ll get to direct the play version someday?