The Man Who Laughed (1928)
An adaption of Victor Hugo's novel published in April 1869 under the French title L'Homme qui rit.
The Joker was based on Gwynplaine who's punishment was facial disfigurement. The director based the film on his insomnia and the hatred he felt towards his audience's ability to sleep at night.
The Execution of Mary Stuart (1895)
Thomas Edison, who produced the film, is accredited with making the first short horror film/torture porn. Directed by Alfred Clark it's also the first film to use special effects, the stop trick.