James Cagney's Quasimodo Eye from Man of a Thousand Faces....

Description

James Cagney's Quasimodo Eye from Man of a Thousand Faces. Universal-International's Man of a Thousand Faces (1957) was an acclaimed biopic devoted to Lon Chaney (1886-1930), played in the film (brilliantly) by James Cagney. The film was shot on the same Universal lot where Chaney had achieved his greatest triumphs, and Bud Westmore tackled the challenge of recreating the classic makeups fashioned and worn by Chaney -- notably Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923) and Erik in The Phantom of the Opera (1925). This lot features the prosthetic "Quasimodo" eye, designed by Westmore and worn by Cagney in the film. Eye is light blue/gray in color, made of porcelain and meticulously designed with blood vessels; Westmore worked with an ophthalmologist to be sure of accuracy. Item appears prominently in the film as Cagney plays a scene from The Hunchback, and when he (as Chaney in Quasimodo makeup) confronts his ex-wife (Dorothy Malone) when she visits the set. The eye has rested much of the past 53 years nestled in cotton in a 2.5" x 4" pink plastic case with clear top; tape on case reads "Hunchback Eye -- Cagney." A fascinating (if unnerving) artifact, dynamically related to the legend and lore of Lon Chaney, Universal Horror, James Cagney -- and Bud Westmore. Excellent condition. Accompanied by an LOA from Jeannie Westmore.

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