Gwynplaine, son of Lord Clancharlie, has a permanent smile carved on his face by the King, in revenge for Gwynplaine's father's treachery. Gwynplaine is adopted by a travelling showman and becomes a popular idol. He falls in love with the blind Dea. The king dies, and his evil jester tries to destroy or corrupt Gwynplaine.
Mary Philbin
as Dea
Conrad Veidt
as Gwynplaine / Lord Clancharlie
Julius Molnar
as Young Gwynplaine
Olga Baclanova
as Duchess Josiana
Brandon Hurst
as Barkilphedro
Cesare Gravina
as Ursus
Stuart Holmes
as Lord Dirry-Moir
Sam De Grasse
as King James II
Josephine Crowell
as Queen Anne
Károly Huszár
as Innkeeper
Delmo Fritz
as Sword Swallower
Deno Fritz
as Sword Swallower
