London After Midnight was a 1927 horror film directed by Tod Browning and starring Lon Chaney. It is considered one of the most sought-after lost films in cinema history. Despite numerous attempts to locate a surviving print, the film remains missing to this day.
The Plot
The film followed the story of a wealthy man named Sir Roger Balfour, who is found murdered in his home. The prime suspect is his neighbor, a mysterious man known only as “the Hypnotist” (played by Chaney). However, as the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that things are not what they seem.
The Disappearance
After its initial release, London After Midnight was widely praised and enjoyed commercial success. However, in 1967, a fire broke out at MGM’s film storage facility in Culver City, California. It destroyed several films from the silent era, including London After Midnight.
Despite rumors of surviving prints circulating over the years, none have been confirmed. In fact, it is widely believed that no copy of the original film exists today.
Theories and Speculation
Over the years, many theories have been put forward regarding London After Midnight’s disappearance. Some have suggested that copies of the film were intentionally destroyed to make room for new productions. Others have speculated that prints may have been stolen or lost during shipping.
One of the most intriguing theories suggests that Lon Chaney himself may have destroyed all existing copies of London After Midnight before his death in 1930. According to this theory, Chaney was concerned about how his performance in the film would be received by audiences and feared it would damage his career.
The Legacy
Despite its absence from modern cinema screens, London After Midnight has remained an influential and highly regarded piece of horror cinema. Its visual style and themes have inspired countless filmmakers over the years, including Tim Burton and Martin Scorsese.
In recent years, there have been attempts to reconstruct the film using still photographs and other surviving materials. While these efforts have resulted in a version of the film that is as close to the original as possible, it cannot replace the experience of watching the real thing.
Conclusion
The disappearance of London After Midnight remains one of cinema’s greatest mysteries. Despite numerous theories and investigations, it seems unlikely that a copy of the original film will ever be found. However, its influence on horror cinema and pop culture continues to be felt to this day.