1920s Movies

From Fritz Lang, starring Brigitte Helm, Alfred Abel, Gustav Fröhlich, Rudolf Klein-Rogge
Rated Not Rated

Metropolis is a science fiction silent film directed by Fritz Lang. It is set in a futuristic, dystopian urban city in the year 2026, where the wealthy and powerful live in privilege and luxury, while the impoverished masses live in poverty and squalor. The story follows Freder, the son of the city's ruler, who discovers the horrific conditions of the lower classes and meets Maria, a young worker. With her help, Freder attempts to bring about social reform to the city, despite the opposition of his father and the mad scientist Rotwang. Through its themes of class struggle, technological progress, and the search for love, the film is considered a classic of the genre.

From Charles Chaplin, starring Charles Chaplin, Merna Kennedy, Al Ernest Garcia, Harry Crocker
Rated Passed

The Circus is a 1928 silent comedy-drama film written and directed by Charles Chaplin. The story follows a homeless tramp (played by Chaplin) who stumbles into a circus and is mistaken for a clown. He soon befriends a tightrope walker (Merna Kennedy) and falls in love with her. His attempts to perform as a clown lead to some hilarious mishaps, but eventually he wins the audience over. The film culminates in a thrilling sequence featuring the tramp, the tightrope walker, and a lion in a circus ring. The film also features a number of memorable Chaplin gags, including a scene in which he has to juggle dinner plates in order to get a job. The Circus is considered one of Chaplin's best works, and it won an Academy Award for Best Comedy.

From Sergei Eisenstein, starring Aleksandr Antonov, Vladimir Barskiy, Grigoriy Aleksandrov, Ivan Bobrov
Rated Not Rated

Battleship Potemkin is a classic silent film from 1925 directed by revolutionary filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein. The film tells the story of the mutiny on the Russian battleship Potemkin in 1905 during the failed revolution against Tsar Nicholas II. It follows the brave crew as they revolt against their oppressive officers and the tragic consequences that follow, culminating in the famous Odessa Steps sequence. The film is renowned for its innovative editing techniques, emotionally charged imagery and its rousing soundtrack, making it a landmark of silent cinema. It remains a powerful, relevant and iconic film to this day.

From Directors: Robert Florey, Joseph Santley, starring Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Chico Marx, Zeppo Marx
Rated Passed

From Alan Crosland, starring Al Jolson, May McAvoy, Warner Oland, Eugenie Besserer
Rated Passed