After a few decades following the initial experiments with emerging cinema technology, the film industry of the 1920s commenced its maturation process. Filmmakers had honed their skills in the essential aspects and embarked on ambitious narrative ventures marked by an escalating level of sophistication and intricacy. This evolution turned films from mere novelties into a refined art form within a remarkably brief span. During the 1920s, the film industry operated at peak efficiency, churning out feature-length productions on a previously unimaginable scale and frequency.
The filmmakers during the 1920s began embracing diversity, with certain individuals excelling in the domain of grand narrative sagas, laying the foundation for what would later be known as blockbusters. Even enthusiasts of cinema, including those who hold a profound appreciation for its historical significance, often tend to disregard the 1920s—an era essentially preceding the era of spoken dialogue. However, silent cinema has much to offer, not only in terms of its influence on later films but also as a captivating form of entertainment in its own right.
Here are Top 10 silent popular movies in the 1920s that have etched their names in film history.
1. The General (1926)
"The General" is a 1926 silent film directed by Buster Keaton and Clyde Bruckman. Set during the American Civil War, it follows locomotive engineer Johnnie Gray (Buster Keaton) as he embarks on a daring mission to rescue his stolen train and girlfriend from Union spies. Renowned for its groundbreaking visual storytelling, impressive stunts, the movie was Keaton's comedic brilliance. Keaton's deadpan expressions and dangerous stunts, performed by the actor himself, highlight his remarkable physicality and timing.
2. 7th Heaven (1927)
"7th Heaven" is a 1927 silent romantic drama film directed by Frank Borzage, starring Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell. Adapted from Austin Strong's 1922 play, the movie follows the blossoming romance between a young woman and a sanitation worker amidst World War I. Released as a silent film in May 1927, it was later re-released with synchronized music and sound effects. The film's release marked both commercial success and the rise of Fox Film as a major studio. At the first Academy Awards in 1929, it received three Oscars: Janet Gaynor won Best Actress, Frank Borzage Best Director, and Benjamin Glazer Best Writing (Adaptation).
3. The Boat (1921)
"The Boat," released in 1921 and directed by Buster Keaton, is a silent film that follows the comedic misadventures of a man and his son as they try to repair a rundown boat. Buster Keaton's deadpan humor and physical comedy shine throughout the film, creating a charming and entertaining experience. The movie is notable for its clever practical effects and stunts, especially those involving water, showcasing Keaton's commitment to performing his own daring actions. Beyond the laughs, the narrative also delves into the characters' determination and their relationship dynamics. "The Boat" encapsulates the essence of early silent cinema, blending humor and heart in a story of resilience amid challenges.
4. The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)
Directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer, "The Passion of Joan of Arc" is a cinematic masterpiece from the silent era that stands out for its raw emotional intensity. Based on the actual transcripts of Saint Joan of Arc's trial, the film chronicles her persecution and ultimate execution. Renée Jeanne Falconetti's haunting portrayal of Joan, combined with Dreyer's innovative use of close-ups, offers a riveting look into faith, martyrdom, and the clash between personal conviction and institutional power. A testament to the art of visual storytelling, this film remains a timeless classic, capturing the essence of sacrifice and spiritual fervor.
5. Show People (1928)
Marion Davies is sadly better known as William Randolph Hearst’s mistress than for her great comedic performances. (Let’s not talk about people’s odd tendency to expect Citizen Kane, which was merely inspired by the life of Hearst, to be more accurate than most biopics that are actually about real people.) No director brought out the magnetic personality that made Davies the life of Hollywood parties better than King Vidor. He made two films with Davies in 1928, The Patsy and Show People, and she’s utterly lovable in both of them. Show People arrived as the silent era was ending, and provides an inside look at the Hollywood studio system (with all the required cameos) and the divide between comedy and high art. As an actress who gets her start in slapstick before becoming a dramatic star, Davies gets to send up various acting styles while always showcasing her own personality.
6. The Cameraman (1928)
"The Cameraman" is a 1928 film that holds significance in Buster Keaton's career transition. Serving as his first collaboration with MGM, the movie showcases Keaton's distinctive comedic style while also reflecting changes in his creative freedom. The film's storyline delivers laughter through scenes like a Chinatown riot and amazes with a skillful long take of Keaton navigating an apartment building's stairs. Keaton's penchant for improvisation with a team of comedians is evident, highlighting his dedication to refining comedic sequences. "The Cameraman" embodies Keaton's ability to fuse humor with technical prowess. Filming on location allows Keaton one final instance of spontaneity before evolving industry standards.
7. Sherlock, Jr. (1924)
Buster Keaton's "Sherlock, Jr." could serve as a comprehensive anthology of iconic moments in silent comedy, and its omission would be hard to justify. Over the past 91 years since Keaton crafted this cinematic homage, no other work has so skillfully examined the interplay between the audience and the cinematic screen. Keaton assumes the role of a movie theater projectionist and aspiring detective who envisions himself stepping into a film and transforming into a sophisticated hero—an apt metaphor for the allure of cinema.
His adept use of special effects toys with reality while capturing genuine stunts in single shots. Remarkably, he sustained an injury but continued shooting. Keaton boldly subverts narrative structure by resolving the conflict halfway without the protagonist's intervention. His choreographed slapstick forms visual poetry with cleverly linked gags. Laughter springs from real-world mishaps and fortunate events in the cinematic realm, linked by parallel mechanics. The result is a relentlessly amusing romp that perpetually escalates in humor.
8. Jujiro (Crossroads) (1928)
The notable silent expressionist works by Japanese director Teinosuke Kinugasa, namely "Jujiro" and "A Page of Madness," have not received the widespread recognition they rightly deserve. Among them, "Jujiro" stands as the more serene and introspective of the two. The narrative revolves around a sister's anguish as her brother's mental state deteriorates due to his infatuation with a woman in Edo's red-light district. Akiko Chihaya's portrayal of the sister adds a poignant emotional core to the film, grounding it in reality amidst the unsettling transformation of the world into a nightmarish hallucination. If the opportunity arises to watch the film accompanied by Stephen Horne's piano-and-flute score, it's an experience not to be missed. The encounter is likely to leave an indelible impact on your emotions.
9. Safety Last (1923)
Rodney Sauer, from the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra, shared his experience with me after they played the score for "Safety Last" at the San Francisco Silent Film Festival. He mentioned that during Harold Lloyd's iconic building-climbing scene, particularly the thrilling clock-hanging finale, the audience at the Castro Theatre laughed so loudly that he and his ensemble couldn't even hear themselves play for the last 15 minutes of the film. This sequence is a flawless blend of suspense and humor, making it so memorable that the rest of the movie almost seems like a buildup to this moment.
10. The Big Parade (1925)
King Vidor's extensive and prosperous career as a director spanned multiple decades within the sound era. Nevertheless, it was during the era of silent films that he truly showcased his artistic prowess. He consistently produced finely crafted movies featuring exceptional performances. Among these, his monumental World War I narrative, "The Big Parade," not only laid the groundwork for subsequent war films, including "All Quiet on the Western Front," but also resonated across the genre. In contrast to romanticizing war as a heroic endeavor, Vidor depicted young men caught up in the allure of patriotic obligation, only to confront the horrifying realities of battle. This approach provided a distinct perspective, emphasizing the dissonance between the initial ideals and the grim actuality of warfare.