The Penalty

This 1920 silent picture contains one of Lon Chaney's most cited roles. Blizzard had both legs needlessly amputated after a childhood accident, and years later he leads the San Francisco underworld with every plan built on avenging that operation. Chaney played the part with his legs strapped back, working on his knees; most of the scenes were shot that way, and it is one of the films that made his reputation for physical transformation. The story expands its revenge into a plan to take over the city; the plotting is overblown by present-day standards, but Chaney's presence carries it. It is an unusual entry in silent-era crime cinema. Who it's for: viewers curious about silent film and Chaney's transformation roles. Who it's not for: anyone troubled by disability being tied to villainy; the film uses that convention of its period directly.