Lon Chaney Speaks in THE UNHOLY THREE (1930) @ The ARKADIN/ | Free!

Since this 50-seat theater DOES sell out MANY events, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you buy your tickets online BEFORE signing up for this MeetUp Event!

There is NO FEE for this service.

IF something comes up and you can't make it, simply email [arkadincinema@gmail.com](mailto:arkadincinema@gmail.com) for a prompt refund.
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January 2026 Schedule
https://arkadincinema.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/January-2026-768x593.webp

General Admission - FREE!

5228 Gravois Avenue | St. Louis, MO 63116
Microcinema in the Heart of Bevo!
https://arkadincinema.com/events/
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PLENTY of Public Parking a block closer to the Bevo Mill @ Walsh/Duke & Gravois!
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After the movie, we will gather in the lobby for lively, provocative, and insightful conversation--OR as close as we can come to that, anyway--HA!
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Every January, new batches of old books, music, and films enter the public domain, which makes them free for distribution and reimagining. To celebrate films from 1930 becoming available, WashU is proud to present a FREE screening of Lon Chaney’s only talkie, The Unholy Three, on 16mm!
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Based on The Unholy Three 1917 novel by Tod Robbins
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tod_Robbins

“The finest thing about this picture is that it discloses Lon Chaney’s natural voice just exactly as it should be—deep, vibrant, and perfectly poised.” – Photoplay

A sound remake of the Tod Browning 1925 silent version, Chaney reprises his role as the villainous Echo, ventriloquist leader of a criminal gang of sideshow performers (a Tod Browning set up if ever one existed). Harry Earles also returns as a belligerent co-conspirator. Their con involves a bunch of disguises and a pet shop and… a gorilla (man in a suit)? It’s a bit convoluted and melodramatic, but a fun Pre-Code crime spree nonetheless! For his only speaking role, MGM marketed the star as “the Man of a Thousand Voices.” Chaney also signed a sworn affidavit attesting that all the voices used in the film for his various disguise are his.

This screening is free, but we recommend reserving tickets in advance to ensure a seat.

Print courtesy of Indiana University’s Lilly Library’s David Bradley Collection.

The Arkadin does not generally provide advisories about subject matter or potentially triggering content in films, as sensitivities vary from person to person. However, we encourage researching titles to determine if a screening may contain content that could be upsetting to you. Please feel free to contact us for guidance on specific films. Information about content can also be found on Common Sense Media, IMDB and [DoesTheDogDie.com](https://www.doesthedogdie.com/), as well as through general internet searches.
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NOTE: On Rotten Tomatoes, this movie has a __% on the Tomatometer and a 61% on the Popcornmeter.

https://arkadincinema.com/event/lon-chaney-speaks-in-the-unholy-three-1930-free-public-domain-day-screening-presented-by-washu-libraries/ [Includes Trailer]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Unholy_Three_(1930_film)