The Unknown (1927)
Kernel Score: 86% · 208 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Drama, Thriller, Romance, Horror
Released: 1927-05-29
Runtime: 68 minutes
Where to watch The Unknown
- Stream: Bloodstream
- Free with ads: JustWatch TV Free, Darkroom, Bloodstream, The Roku Channel, Plex
- Rent: Prime Video
- Buy: Prime Video
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
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.
The Unknown parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that this classic silent horror-romance features a circus criminal hiding his identity and involves knife-throwing and themes of obsession leading to tragedy.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Involves knife-throwing acts, a criminal past, and a tragic, suspenseful outcome.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — Centers on romantic pursuit and unrequited love themes between circus performers.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Unknown
If you liked The Unknown, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Vertigo (1958) — 88%
- Ghost (1990) — 82%
- The Circus (1928) — 88%
- Safe Haven (2013) — 81%
- The Man Who Laughs (1928) — 81%
- Nightmare Alley (1947) — 78%
- Spellbound (2011) — 83%
- The Happiness of the Katakuris (2002) — 75%
Director
Cast
- Lon Chaney as Alonzo
- Norman Kerry as Malabar
- Joan Crawford as Nanon Zanzi
- Nick De Ruiz as Antonio Zanzi
- John George as Cojo
- Frank Lanning as Costra
- Tom Amandares as Gypsy Running to Zanzi's Death Scene (uncredited)
- Margaret Bert as Fortune Teller (uncredited)
- Louise Emmons as Gypsy Woman (uncredited)
- Italia Frandi as Girl in Audience Flirting with Malabar (uncredited)
The Unknown FAQ
Is The Unknown good?
The Unknown has an 86% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 208 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Unknown?
In the US you can stream The Unknown on Bloodstream, watch it free with ads on JustWatch TV Free, Darkroom, Bloodstream, The Roku Channel and Plex and rent it from Prime Video.
Is The Unknown OK for kids?
The Unknown is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that this classic silent horror-romance features a circus criminal hiding his identity and involves knife-throwing and themes of obsession leading to tragedy.
What movies are like The Unknown?
If you liked The Unknown, try Vertigo, Ghost, The Circus and Safe Haven.