A Blind Bargain

A desperate father, seeking to save his ailing son, makes a pact with a mysterious lawyer who is revealed to be the devil. The lawyer demands the father's soul in exchange for his son's health and offers him a magical elixir. However, the elixir comes with a horrifying catch: the father's face will transform into that of a gorilla each night.

While "A Blind Bargain" is primarily remembered today for its connection to Lon Chaney and its early exploration of Faustian themes in horror, contemporary reviews were mixed. The film's ambitious special effects for its time and Chaney's transformative performance were noted, but its narrative complexity and horror elements were not universally embraced by all critics.

• Lon Chaney's performance as the menacing lawyer and his striking gorilla transformation were highlights.

• The film's dark, Faustian premise offered a unique blend of horror and psychological suspense.

• Some critics found the plot convoluted, but acknowledged its innovative special effects for the era.

Google audience: Audience reception for "A Blind Bargain" is difficult to gauge due to its age and limited distribution, but modern discussions often praise Lon Chaney's commitment to his dual role and the film's daring visual effects, even if the story's intensity was a departure for many viewers at the time.

The film is notable for being one of the few Lon Chaney silent films where he plays two distinct characters: the mild-mannered lawyer and the monstrous Devil.