Lon Chaney Speaks in THE UNHOLY THREE (1930) — Free Public Domain Day Screening presented by WashU Libraries
January 17, 2026 : 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Every January, new batches of old books, music, and films enter the public domain, which makes them free for distribution and reimagining. To celebrate films from 1930 becoming available, WashU is proud to present a FREE screening of Lon Chaney’s only talkie, The Unholy Three, on 16mm!
“The finest thing about this picture is that it discloses Lon Chaney’s natural voice just exactly as it should be—deep, vibrant, and perfectly poised.” – Photoplay
A sound remake of the Tod Browning 1925 silent version, Chaney reprises his role as the villainous Echo, ventriloquist leader of a criminal gang of sideshow performers (a Tod Browning set up if ever one existed). Harry Earles also returns as a belligerent co-conspirator. Their con involves a bunch of disguises and a pet shop and… a gorilla (man in a suit)? It’s a bit convoluted and melodramatic, but a fun Pre-Code crime spree nonetheless! For his only speaking role, MGM marketed the star as “the Man of a Thousand Voices.” Chaney also signed a sworn affidavit attesting that all the voices used in the film for his various disguise are his.
This screening is free, but we recommend reserving tickets in advance to ensure a seat.
Print courtesy of Indiana University’s Lilly Library’s David Bradley Collection.
Arkadin does not generally provide advisories about subject matter or potentially triggering content in films, as sensitivities vary from person to person. However, we encourage researching titles to determine if a screening may contain content that could be upsetting to you. Please feel free to contact us for guidance on specific films. Information about content can also be found on Common Sense Media, IMDB and DoesTheDogDie.com, as well as through general internet searches.
Theater Policies
- All seats are first-come, first-served.
- The theater opens 30 minutes prior to showtime, except for “Happy Hour” events and pre-shows when the theater opens at the listed start time.
- All ages are welcome at Arkadin except for Drinkolas Cage events, which are restricted to 21+. We follow the MPAA rating guidelines for all other films.
- Tickets can be purchased using the BUY TICKETS link above. Upon ordering, you will receive a confirmation email from Square. Tickets may also be purchased on the day of the show at the concession counter.
- If you’ve purchased advance tickets, when you arrive, please give your name at the concession counter to check in.
- Tickets are returnable by sending a request through the contact form located on our About Us page prior to showtime.
- When an event is sold out, we reserve the right to release open seats to customers on the waitlist. If you have a pre-purchased ticket and arrive late and there is no seat for you, your ticket will be refunded.
- All screenings are held in our indoor theater unless indicated otherwise in the event description above.
- Please respect your fellow movie-goers by remaining quiet and refraining from using your cell phone throughout the screening.