Movies · 1915
Dawn of Feature Cinema and Screen Icons
In 1915, feature-length storytelling revolutionized motion pictures, birthing classic cinematic tropes and establishing screen icons like Charlie Chaplin and Theda Bara. As World War I raged across Europe, Hollywood solidified its dominance with technical innovations and bold new genres.
- Dir. D.W. Griffith | Epic Drama | USA
The Birth of a Nation
D.W. Griffith’s landmark silent epic revolutionized film grammar and became cinema's first true blockbuster, despite its deeply controversial and racist historical narrative.
- Dir. Louis Feuillade | Crime | France
Les Vampires
Louis Feuillade’s ten-part serial mesmerized French audiences with noirish mystery and Musidora’s iconic performance as the sleek criminal mastermind Irma Vep.
- Dir. Cecil B. DeMille | Drama | USA
The Cheat
Cecil B. DeMille’s daring psychological drama showcased groundbreaking dramatic lighting and made Japanese actor Sessue Hayakawa a major Hollywood star.
- Starring Theda Bara | Drama | USA
A Fool There Was
This hit romantic drama launched Theda Bara to fame as cinema's original 'vamp,' coining the term and cementing a lasting movie archetype.
- Dir. Charlie Chaplin | Comedy | USA
The Tramp
Charlie Chaplin defined his signature Little Tramp character in this iconic short, bringing unprecedented emotional depth and pathos to slapstick comedy.
- Dir. Raoul Walsh | Crime Drama | USA
Regeneration
Raoul Walsh directed what is widely regarded as the first feature-length gangster film, shooting on location in New York's gritty Irish slums.
- Dir. Gustavo Serena | Drama | Italy
Assunta Spina
Francesca Bertini delivered a powerful performance in this Italian silent classic, which pioneered cinematic verismo and realism on location in Naples.
- Dir. Cecil B. DeMille | Romance | USA
Carmen
Opera star Geraldine Farrar made her stunning screen debut in Cecil B. DeMille’s lavish feature adaptation of Prosper Mérimée's famous novella.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?