The Man Who Laughs
In 1690, showman Ursus adopts orphaned Gwynplaine, whose face is disfigured, and blind infant Dea. Fifteen years later, their London performance becomes a success, but lawman Barkilphedro reveals Gwynplaine’s aristocratic past. Gwynplaine is seduced by Duchess Josiane and rejects his new identity as a lord; Dea dies, and Gwynplaine takes his own life.