My favorite movies of the 1920s
I know, there isn't a lot, but I've seen around 20-30 of them and these are my favorites.
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- DirectorRobert WieneStarsWerner KraussConrad VeidtFriedrich FeherHypnotist Dr. Caligari uses a somnambulist, Cesare, to commit murders.10/10
I adore everything about this one. From its weird imagery to its weird story. Being a fan of a German expressionist style, this one is my favorite. It's a perfect mixture of beautiful and weird. - DirectorFritz LangStarsBrigitte HelmAlfred AbelGustav FröhlichIn a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working-class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences.10/10
This was my no. 1 for a while, but I realized I love Caligari just a tiny bit more. However, this one is great for different reasons, like it's grandiosity, the imagery that holds up surprisingly well, epic story... - DirectorRupert JulianLon ChaneyErnst LaemmleStarsLon ChaneyMary PhilbinNorman KerryA mad, disfigured composer seeks love with a lovely young opera singer.10/10
I just love it so much when silent films get creepy, and the haunting atmosphere of this one really brought life to the story. - DirectorCarl Theodor DreyerStarsMaria FalconettiEugene SilvainAndré BerleyIn 1431, Jeanne d'Arc is placed on trial on charges of heresy. The ecclesiastical jurists attempt to force Jeanne to recant her claims of holy visions.10/10
Oh boy, is this a tough one to sit through. Definetly one of the most emotionally devestating films of all time. Everything about this movie made my heart heavy, from a great direction to one of the best film performances to date, by Maria Falconetti. I was left depressed and amazed by the end. - DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsJune TrippIvor NovelloMarie AultA landlady suspects that her new lodger is the madman killing women in London.9/10
Seems like Hitchcock in his begginings could sometimes be just as great as Hitchcock we all know and love. I guess this was a true origin of the master of suspense. It's just not a 10 because it didn't stick with me enough. - DirectorF.W. MurnauStarsGeorge O'BrienJanet GaynorMargaret LivingstonA sophisticated city woman seduces a farmer and convinces him to murder his wife and join her in the city, but he ends up rekindling his romance with his wife when he changes his mind at the last moment.9/10
This beautiful emotional movie. To me, one of the most romantic movies of all time with a devestating first half and a beautifully romantic second half (well, mostly). Janet Gaynor is the most adorable little thing ever here and her performance brings a very thick layer of emotion to this film. My only complaint is a bit of a poor plot. - DirectorCharles ChaplinStarsCharles ChaplinEdna PurvianceJackie CooganThe Tramp cares for an abandoned child, but events put their relationship in jeopardy.9/10
This is such a sweet movie from the great Chaplin. So many moments that will make your heart melt. One of the best examples of balancing humor and emotion. Only, it's too short. - DirectorAlan CroslandStarsAl JolsonMay McAvoyWarner OlandThe son of a Jewish Cantor must defy the traditions of his religious father in order to pursue his dream of becoming a jazz singer.9/10
Some might be surprised that the first talkie isn't really a talkie. But hey, there can't just magically be a full sound movie right after all the silent ones. I was surprised by the emotion of the story and I had a lot of fun with it. But again, it just wasn't too memorable. - DirectorWilliam A. WellmanHarry d'Abbadie d'ArrastStarsClara BowCharles 'Buddy' RogersRichard ArlenTwo young men, one rich, one middle class, who are in love with the same woman, become fighter pilots in World War I.9/10
It might be a bit overlong, but this is an extremely well made movie for its time. Was it the best movie of 1927? No. But did it deserve an Oscar? I'd say yes. It might sometimes look like it sugarcoats war, but anti-war films are yet to be truly developed. For example, All Quiet On the Western Front (1930), but that's another story. - DirectorCharles ChaplinStarsCharles ChaplinMack SwainTom MurrayA prospector goes to the Klondike during the 1890s gold rush in hopes of making his fortune, and is smitten with a girl he sees in a dance hall.8/10
Very entertaining (even though it takes its time sometimes), light-hearted and funny. This is one of those that people think of when you mention Charlie Chaplin. - DirectorF.W. MurnauStarsMax SchreckAlexander GranachGustav von WangenheimVampire Count Orlok expresses interest in a new residence and real estate agent Hutter's wife.8/10
This had some genuinely creepy moments. I just felt like there weren't enough of those. Still, the first adaptation of Dracula remains one of the best. - DirectorSergei EisensteinStarsAleksandr AntonovVladimir BarskiyGrigoriy AleksandrovIn the midst of the Russian Revolution of 1905, the crew of the battleship Potemkin mutiny against the brutal, tyrannical regime of the vessel's officers. The resulting street demonstration in Odessa brings on a police massacre.8/10
Very dark and one of the first anti-war films to grace the big screen. And let's not forget the inovations in editing. But it can get a bit tiring to sit through ocassionally. - DirectorKing VidorStarsEleanor BoardmanJames MurrayBert RoachThe life of a man and woman together in a large, impersonal metropolis through their hopes, struggles, and downfalls.8/10
The problem with this one is, I saw it recently, and I already don't remember it that well. But it's inspiring, emotional, well-made, well-acted and with a good message. - DirectorF.W. MurnauStarsGösta EkmanEmil JanningsCamilla HornThe demon Mephisto wagers with God that he can corrupt a mortal man's soul.8/10
Starts off amazingly. I was stunned through the opening act. But it didn't continue to be as exciting. The ending was great again, but the overall impression was pretty good, not amazing. - DirectorTeinosuke KinugasaStarsMasuo InoueAyako IijimaYoshie NakagawaA man takes a job at an asylum with hopes of freeing his imprisoned wife.8/10
Madness in every sense of that word. This one is insane, absurd and unsettling. I will try to describe it for you. If you ever saw Ringu or The Ring, remember the haunted videotape? Imagine a feature length version of that tape. That's sort of what this movie is like. After watching it, I was surprised I didn't get a phone call where a creepy voice tells me that I'll die in seven days.