Erich Von Stroheim gives a mesmerizing performance in the title role of this early talkie musical melodrama, portraying an unbalanced ventriloquist who's incapable of any meaningful expression unless it's through his ever-present dummy "Otto." Though his mania drives away the assistant (Betty Compson) who loves him, he continues to climb the show business ladder-but can he find the words to win her back when they share a bill? Donald Douglas, Marjorie Kane also star. 94 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English; Subtitles: English (SDH); audio commentary.