Dr. Mabuse is a mind-controlled psychoanalyst. He uses this ability in illegitimate ways such as removing wealth in casinos and speculating on the stock market. But not everything goes smoothly. Dr. Mabuse’s rapid rise sparks the suspicion of Attorney General Von Wenk.
Lord Clancharlie was sentenced to death after refusing to kiss King James II’s hand. A permanent smile is left on Lord Clancharlie’s son’s face with surgery to embarrass his father. The boy named Gwynplaine attends carnivals and becomes famous as The Smiling Man.
A couple is brutally murdered in the working-class district of Paris. Later on, the narrative follows the lives of their two daughters, both in love with a Parisian thug and leading them to separate ways.