U2204

Silent Screen Stars

Lon Chaney

Collins Cover Announcement

STARS OF THE SILENT SCREEN

LON CHANEY

"The Hunchback of Notre Dame"

About two dozen fiery torches are held aloft in the dark Paris night. They illuminate the street crowd and the center of their attention -- the Hunchback of Notre Dame. They have just crowned the outwardly grotesque hunchback "King of the Fools" but, as readers discover, inside he is a sympathetic figure. The hand-painted cachet captures the sceen in fine fashion and it is fittingly framed by my custom COLLINS border for this Silent Screen series of stamps.

Today's movie-goers are thrilled by special effects. Lon Chaney recognized this aspect of visual appeal in the early days of film. He captured the acclaim of his national audience by incredibly expert use of make-up and by turning his tremendous acting instincts into the ability to transform himself into the character he was playing. In addition to his role as "The Hunchback of Notre Dame", he also thrilled early film viewers with his masterful portrayal of "The Phantom of the Opera".

It is my belief that the COLLINS set for the Silent Screen stamps will be judged "Best of Issue" and within this set the Lon Chaney cover being offered now will be one of the key items. A classic early film captured for the First Day Cover hobby. The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Item #U2204. $10.75.