Herbert Brenon reportedly loved to pick on and ridicule a 14-year-old Loretta Young (Note: Young turned 15 on day 18 of the 45-day shoot.) in her first big role, but was civil with her whenever Lon Chaney was present on the set. Chaney noticed this and never left her side, even if his character wasn't needed for shooting that day. He directed her throughout the shoot and became her surrogate father on the project. "I shall be beholden to that sensitive, sweet man until I die", said Young of Chaney.
Although she was only 14 years old, this was already Loretta Young's ninth film and her second credited role. She was only three years old in her first film role, as a fairy in The Primrose Ring (1917).
The song "Laugh Clown Laugh", with music by Ted Fio Rito and lyrics by Sam Lewis and Joe Young, did much to make this movie a hit when it rose to #1 on the 1928 hit parade.
All extant prints are missing reel 4.
Circus performer Hilda Nelson, whose whole family were circus people/acrobats, taught Lon Chaney to walk the wire and doubled for Loretta Young on the tightrope.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content
