The Man Who Laughs 1966
"If you liked "Scaramouche" you'll love "The Man Who Laughs""
Sergio Corbucci's 1966 swashbuckling drama, *The Man Who Laughs*, reimagines Victor Hugo's gothic tale with Italian flair and a daring performance from Jean Sorel.
Director: Sergio Corbucci
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Man Who Laughs (1966) about?
This Italian swashbuckler follows Angelo, a deformed acrobat with a slash across his mouth, as he becomes entangled in the dangerous intrigues of the Borgias. His quest for justice and love intertwines with swordplay, betrayal, and Renaissance-era drama, offering a fresh take on a classic Victor Hugo-inspired tale.
Who directed The Man Who Laughs?
Sergio Corbucci, the renowned Italian filmmaker, directed The Man Who Laughs (1966), blending adventure with gothic drama.
Who stars in The Man Who Laughs?
The film stars Jean Sorel in the lead role, with Lisa Gastoni, Ilaria Occhini, Edmund Purdom, and Gino Pernice rounding out the cast.
Is The Man Who Laughs (1966) worth watching?
For fans of classic adventure films with a touch of gothic drama, *The Man Who Laughs* delivers with its stylish action and compelling performances. While not as widely known as some of its contemporaries, Corbucci's direction and Sorel's intense portrayal make it a hidden gem worth seeking out.
How long is The Man Who Laughs?
The Man Who Laughs (1966) runs for 97 minutes.
About The Man Who Laughs (1966) — A Disfigured Hero's Swashbuckling Adventure with the Borgias
Sergio Corbucci's 1966 swashbuckling drama, *The Man Who Laughs*, reimagines Victor Hugo's gothic tale with Italian flair and a daring performance from Jean Sorel. Set against a backdrop of Renaissance intrigue and the shadowy machinations of the Borgias, this adventure unfolds as Sorel's Angelo—a disfigured acrobat with a single slash across his mouth—navigates a world of romance, betrayal, and peril. Blending drama with high-stakes swordplay, Corbucci crafts a visually striking narrative that balances raw emotion with the thrill of a classic adventure. The film's moody atmosphere and stylish action sequences make it a standout in 1960s European cinema, offering a fresh twist on a timeless story.
Starring alongside Sorel are Lisa Gastoni and Ilaria Occhini, whose performances anchor the film's blend of romance and danger. The Man Who Laughs (1966) stands out for its bold visual choices and a protagonist whose physical scars mirror deeper emotional wounds. Corbucci's direction infuses the story with a sense of urgency, turning what could have been a straightforward adventure into something far more compelling—an exploration of identity, love, and the cost of defiance in a corrupt world.