Lost films don't get much more legendary than MGM's 1927 mystery/thriller, LONDON AFTER MIDNIGHT. The last known print was destroyed in a studio vault fire in 1967. The film was reconstructed in book form using existing stills, of which there is no shortage. A large number of photos of Lon Chaney as the (fake) vampire have circulated for years and his image has become one of the most iconic of horror characters from the 1920's. The eponymous monster in THE BABADOOK (2014) is said to have been inspired by "The Man in the Beaver Hat".There is even a goth rock band named after the film.
Some of the stills shown here are less common than others. The gelatin silver production prints were shot by Irwin Bueller, an MGM staff photographer.
As you can see, these atypical stills are dripping with atmosphere and Chaney's makeup -- which he created himself -- has never been creepier.
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