Movies & TV from the 1920s

The highest-grossing silent film of all time, as well as the first realistic war drama, tells the harrowing story of a young man's front-line experiences in World War I.

In this silent classic, Judah ben-Hur (Ramon Novarro) discovers that he has been betrayed by his childhood friend Messala (Francis X. Bushman), leading to separation from his family. Punished for an accident, Ben-Hur is unjustly forced to serve on a Roman ship, where he becomes a friend to the vessel's admiral, Quintus Arrius (Frank Currier). Eventually, Ben-Hur has the chance to compete against Messala in a chariot race, providing him with a shot at vengeance.

Featuring a meticulous restoration and a newly recorded soundtrack based on the original score. This timeless story of love and loss follows two men who go to war and the girl they leave behind. Popular Twenties "It" girl Clara Bow stars with Richard Arlen, Charles "Buddy" Rogers and Gary Cooper in a legendary cameo appearance.

Daniel Haynes stars as a black laborer who turns to religion after experiencing a family tragedy. William Fountaine and Nina Mae McKinney co-star in this spiritual film.

Poor fisherman Pete falls in love with Kate, the daughter of a landlord on Man Island. Pete decides to leave on his ship to earn some money and then marry the girl. Before leaving he asks his friend Philip to care for her. When his ship is reported as wrecked, Philip and Kate plan to marry...then Pete returns

The movie that broke the sound barrier! Vaudeville crooner Al Jolson stars as a Jewish cantor's son who goes against his family's traditions to make it in show business. The first successful sound feature heralded the end of silent films. Co-starring William Demerest (Uncle Charley of TV's "My Three Sons"). Look for a young Myrna Loy ("The Thin Man"). Inducted into the Library of Congress National Film Registry.

One of Hitchcock's best silent films, "The Ring" (1928) focuses on "Round One" Stander, a circus boxer who marries the box-office girl and turns pro to please her, but is soon outclassed by competition in and out of the ring. Carl Brisson, Lilian Hall Davis star.

"He was born with a gift of laughter and a sense that the world was mad." Thus opens Rafael Sabatini's historical novel on which this fanciful film is based, following the sensational exploits of a young lawyer thrown into the tumult of the French Revolution. There he becomes an actor portraying the celebrated character Scaramouche, a chameleon who plays both rogue and fool. First published in 1921, it became an instant bestseller, flying onto the stage and then to film in just over two years.

Harriet and Queenie Mahoney, a vaudeville act, come to Broadway, where their friend Eddie Kerns needs them for his number in one of Francis Zanfield's shows.

To generations of fans and critics, Greta Garbo is the screen's greatest actress, greatest beauty and greatest mystery. The Swedish Sphinx conquered silents and talkies, and Wild Orchids showcases both her astonishing talent and her incomparable beauty. Garbo portrays Lillie Sterling, the neglected wife of an American businessman, who journeys into the exotic jungles of Java and into a steamy triangle of husband, wife and dashing plantation owner. As passion flares, so does jealousy.

With kohl-rimmed eyes and rouged lips, flapper fatale Billie Brown demands to live life on her terms. So she brazenly vamps a handsome diplomat in hopes of furthering her fiance's career. It's a perfect plan - until Billie loses her heart to the diplomat.

A tear duct opening tale about radio singer Joe Lane, who takes a swing at the slimeball who made a pass at his wife - and accidentally kills him. Imprisoned, Joe belts out tunes from behind bars and dreams of his wife and son.