1926 Movies

The Best Movies in 1926

The General

"The General" stands out as an action-adventure comedy that captivates audiences even today. Directed by Clyde Bruckman and Buster Keaton, this film offers a unique blend of humor and exciting action sequences, anchored by Keaton's charismatic performance. The storyline revolves around Johnnie Gray, portrayed by Keaton, an engineer who embarks on a daring mission to reclaim his stolen locomotive during the American Civil War. Marion Mack plays the role of Gray's love interest, adding depth and emotion to the narrative. The movie's innovative use of physical comedy and stunt work distinguishes it in the genre, showcasing Keaton's talent not only as an actor but also as a director. Its enduring appeal is attributed to the masterful execution of action scenes that remain impressive by modern standards.

Faust

F.W. Murnau's "Faust" is a dramatic departure into fantasy and horror, presenting a timeless story of moral struggle. The film adapts the classic tale of a man who makes a pact with the devil, offering a visually stunning exploration of themes such as temptation, corruption, and redemption. Gösta Ekman stars as Faust, with Emil Jannings delivering a compelling performance as Mephisto. The use of innovative special effects and atmospheric cinematography in "Faust" creates an immersive experience that was groundbreaking for its time. Murnau's direction ensures that the film's moral and ethical dilemmas are front and center, making "Faust" a captivating study of human nature and its susceptibility to influence.

Mother

Directed by Vsevolod Pudovkin, "Mother" is a powerful adaptation of Maxim Gorky's novel, focusing on personal transformation against a backdrop of political upheaval. The film tells the story of a mother's journey from subservience to active participation in the revolutionary movement in Russia. Pudovkin uses innovative editing techniques and visual storytelling to convey the emotional depth and complexity of the narrative. The performance by the cast, particularly the lead actress, brings authenticity and emotional resonance to the story. "Mother" is not just a film about political change; it is also a deeply personal story of empowerment and resilience.

The Adventures of Prince Achmed

Lotte Reiniger's "The Adventures of Prince Achmed" offers a magical plunge into the world of silhouette animation, marking its place in film history as one of the oldest surviving animated feature films. This film is a visual marvel that uses intricately cut silhouettes to tell the story of Prince Achmed's fantastical journeys. The innovative technique not only creates a distinctive aesthetic but also demonstrates the potential of animation as a serious storytelling medium. Reiniger's work predates Disney's full-length animated features, making "The Adventures of Prince Achmed" a pioneering accomplishment in the animation genre. The film's artistic value and historical significance are evident as it continues to inspire animators and filmmakers.

Battling Butler

"Battling Butler" brings Buster Keaton's unique blend of comedy and stunts back to the forefront, this time exploring themes of identity and self-discovery. Keaton directs and stars as Alfred Butler, a pampered, affluent young man whose quest to prove his masculinity leads him to the world of boxing. The film delights with its humorous take on societal expectations of masculinity while showcasing Keaton's physical comedy skills and precise timing. "Battling Butler" is a testament to Keaton's versatility as an actor and director, offering a compelling narrative with plenty of laughs and memorable moments.

Film & Industry Highlights of 1926

Transition to Talkies: A Technological Leap

1926 marked a pivotal year in the history of cinema with the introduction of "Don Juan," the first feature-length film to employ the Vitaphone sound system. Developed by Bell Telephone Laboratories, this innovation was integral to the industry's shift from silent films to talkies. Accompanying this important leap in technology, the Fox-Case Corporation advanced sound-on-film experiments. These developments laid the groundwork for future cinematic enhancements, signifying a monumental shift in how stories would be told and experienced on screen.

The Rise of Feature-length Animation

Another notable achievement in 1926 was the release of "The Adventures of Prince Achmed," directed by Lotte Reiniger. Utilizing silhouette animation, this German film stands as the oldest surviving animated feature-length film. Its unique style and storytelling method showcased the potential for animation as a serious and sophisticated film genre, offering viewers new and imaginative cinema.

Documentary and Realism: "Moana"

In addition to technological advancements and animation, 1926 was also noteworthy for the documentary genre. Robert J. Flaherty's "Moana," following the success of his earlier work "Nanook of the North," continued to push the boundaries of filmmaking. Showcasing the daily life and customs of the Samoan people, "Moana" highlighted the power of cinema to document real-life events and cultures, contributing to the genre's evolution and relevance.

International Films and Cultural Exchange

The year also saw the U.S. release of "Potemkin" (1925, USSR), a film by Sergei Eisenstein that would become a cornerstone of world cinema. Its innovative editing techniques and political narrative had a lasting impact on filmmaking and film theory. The inclusion of international films such as "Potemkin" in American cinemas underscored the growing interest in foreign films and the exchange of cinematic ideas across borders.

Alfred Hitchcock's Debut

1926 was also consequential for individual careers, including the release of Alfred Hitchcock's first credited feature film, "The Pleasure Garden" (1925, UK). Although starting his long and illustrious career in the silent film era, Hitchcock's early works already displayed his penchant for suspense and psychological depth, hinting at his future success in the sound era.

Genres and Varieties

This year was notable for the variety in film genres, offering audiences a wide range of storytelling styles and themes. From horror, exemplified by "Faust," to drama in "Mother" and comedy with "Battling Butler," 1926 catered to varied tastes and interests. This array of genres reflected the film industry's expansion and its ability to adapt and appeal to an ever-widening audience.

Top Grossing Films

Leading the box office in North America was "What Price Glory?" by Fox Film, a testament to the public's appetite for compelling narratives and charismatic performances. Following closely were "The Black Pirate," distributed by United Artists, and "Beau Geste" by Paramount, both contributing to the year's cinematic success. These films, together with others released in 1926, demonstrated the industry's capacity for creativity and entertainment.