Popular Movies In The 1920s

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

Metropolis is a 1927 German expressionist science-fiction drama film directed by Fritz Lang. Set in a futuristic urban dystopia, the film follows Freder, the wealthy son of the city's master, and Maria, a rebellious prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences. When Freder discovers the horrific exploitation of workers in the city's underground, he joins forces with Maria to bring about a better society. Meanwhile, the city's ruler, Joh Fredersen, is determined to stop Maria's influence and preserve the status quo. The film is widely considered to be a pioneering classic of the science-fiction genre, and is famed for its groundbreaking special effects, dazzling visuals, and iconic art direction.

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

The Circus is a 1928 silent comedy film directed and produced by Charles Chaplin. The film follows the story of an escaped circus tramp (Chaplin) who is mistaken for a clown and hired by a circus. Through various comedic mishaps and unwitting successes, Chaplin’s character soon becomes the star of the show. As the tramp grows in popularity, the jealous ringmaster (Al Ernest Garcia) plots to sabotage Chaplin’s success. In the end, the tramp saves the circus from financial ruin and is reunited with his long-lost love (Merna Kennedy) in the process. Throughout the film, Chaplin’s signature physical comedy and inventive camera shots are present, giving the film its signature charm.

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

Battleship Potemkin is a 1925 silent film by director Sergei Eisenstein. It depicts a mutiny on the Russian battleship Potemkin in 1905, led by sailor Vakulinchuk, and the subsequent uprising against Tsarist autocracy in the port of Odessa. The film follows the Potemkin crew's refusal to eat rotten meat, their subsequent mutiny and the resulting brutal suppression of their uprising. This event becomes a symbol of revolution to the citizens of Odessa, who join the uprising in massive numbers and fight together against the Tsarist forces in a series of memorable and violent scenes. The film culminates in the famous Odessa Steps massacre, a scene that has been studied and referenced in cinema and art throughout the years.

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