THE VAULT

The Unknown (1927) Explained: Beyond the Blood

Scare Score: 7.8/100

Don't miss this startling spectacle!

The Premise

On the lam, criminal Alonzo hides in the circus as The Armless Wonder – a performer who uses his feet to hurl knives. Alonzo keeps the arms he really has concealed to hide his identity. Meanwhile, ringmaster's daughter Nanon has a phobia of being touched by men, but is romantically pursued by not only Alonzo but the strongman Malabar. Alonzo's desperation to remain with Nanon will only end in tragedy.

Why It Terrifies Us

Categorized under Silent Film, Psychological Horror, Melodrama, The Unknown taps into fundamental fears. The 7.8/100 Scare Score is well-earned. The themes of circus, love, knife throwing continually haunt viewers long after the credits roll.

Into The Vault

Ready to dig deeper? The ScreamDesk Vault connects you to the architecture of fear.