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HomeShop at BookSurgeReligionGeneralThe Unholy Three |
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| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review: ( 10 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Calling all Chaney Fans Nov 14, 2008
By David
"Dave"
I'm a fan of the silent screen actor Lon Chaney and picked this book up on a whim after a search on the actor's name. I was overly familiar with all of Chaney's and Browning's collaborations so I assumed this novel had very little to offer. But when it arrived I gave it a fast skim and discovered something remarkable. Tod Browning, considered to be "Hollywood's Master of the Macabre" for his pioneering use of "dark" subject matter in silent films, has toned down the more vicious elements of Robbins' novel. I was amazed. In fact, I had assumed the opposite that Browning would have added some of the more fantastic scenes of violence and brutality, like when Tweebledee kick a child in the face and starts a riot at the Midway, but I was completely mistaken.
Browning made the decision to censor the book in order to make Chaney more sympathetic to audiences. Hence Echo's insanity is ignored, murder scenes are dropped, a subplot of the Three's rampage in Europe is removed, and a female character is added to the film as a love interest. After a more thorough read, I could only wonder: how much more acclaimed as a director Browning would have been if he filmed The Unholy Three as it was written by Robbins?
I am now a Tod Robbins fan and cannot wait to read more of his stories.
The Unholy Three May 20, 2010
By Helena Verne
I am a fan of silent film, and originally saw the silent film adaptation of this book. About a year later, I saw the "talkie" version of the film (also starring Lon Chaney), and I loved both. I saw Freaks as well, and became interested in Tod Robbins. I chose to do a final project for a college course on the book and the film adaptations, but, upon reading the book, there was so much in it that I didn't even get to the films.
The book is marvelous, and I recommend it to anyone who likes early twentieth century literature, film, or the strange and macabre.
Frighteningly Freakish! Mar 10, 2009
By Mikey
Isn't it great when a great classic film leads you to an even greater work of classic literature? I've always been a huge fan of Tod Browning's Freaks, but had never been aware of the background surrounding the story until recently. I tracked down a copy as soon as possible, and was delighted to find it three times as horrific and twisted! There is just something about misshapen freaks on a murderous rampage that tickles me pink. You won't find a better book written these days!
Looking for a twisted tale Feb 17, 2009
By Doug
In spite of its 1920's publishing date, this book reads like a modern pulp story. I was really surprised how vicious it was.
Great book Feb 11, 2009
By Peter
I saw this book listed on Fantastic Fiction Database website and gave it a try. Fast paced and lively, it had me guessing what was going to happen at every page turn. Turly Robbins was the master of strange mysteries at the turn of the last century.
See all 10 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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