The original novelisation of the classic, and now long lost 1927 Tod Browning silent film production of London After Midnight by Marie Coolidge Rask with scenes from the photoplay.
Well written prose but an entirely bizarre ending which changes the genre of the story you think you’re reading. I’m sure audiences at the time were completely surprised by the sensational climax of the film but as a reader of a book based on the script in 2021, it does slightly jar. Nonetheless it’s an entertaining read if you like gothic grandeur and the old black and white movies of the 1920s.
Would be fascinating to see the original film if they ever discover a copy in some long lost vault or collection somewhere….
I started reading this because I saw it on Whitechapel on TV. It was not what I expected at all. I thought it was a horror story so was pleasantly surprised when it turned out to be a crime novel. I managed to guess the story quite early on but it was still intriguing to read and kept me entertained.
An excellent book that I read in less than two days. As a fan of Lon Chaney and the lost film, London After Midnight it gave me a great insight into what the film might ha e been like. But also how much the film differs to the actual story as stated in a chapter following the original story. Excellent pics from the film are set inbetween chapters. A must read for Chaney and Midnight fans.