25 Films from the First Oscars Ceremony

A determined police captain relentlessly pursues a brutal mob boss. He faces many obstacles in his pursuit, escalating the tension between them to a final confrontation that challenges justice and morality. The film vividly portrays the dark side of city…

Set in bustling 1910s New York City, this story follows Speedy, a spirited young man who finds himself without work after losing his job as a soda jerk. He and his girlfriend enjoy adventures at Coney Island and then, as…

In a world of rising crime and shifting loyalties, Bull Weed is a powerful and unpredictable gangster. He tries to reconnect with his former lawyer, now struggling with alcohol, hoping to recapture their old bond. But as they navigate the…

A man journeys across the world, moving between different cultures and societies. He was once a respected general in the Russian Imperial army, but after significant political changes, he's unexpectedly sent to Hollywood. He works as an extra on a…

The Patent Leather Kid, a 1927 silent film, follows a boxer who refuses to fight outside of sanctioned matches, especially for his country during World War I. He is eventually drafted, sent to war, and performs a heroic deed that…

In the waning days of Czarist Russia, a peasant is promoted to Lieutenant, drawing resentment from the aristocratic officers. His life is made difficult by their scorn. He falls in love with a princess, but she rejects him. After being…

This is a tense, wordless crime story about a hijacker who murders his father – a ruthless gangster blackmailing his mother – to protect her marriage to the governor. He sees it as an act of devotion to her.

Norma Talmadge stars as 'The Dove,' a celebrated Mexican saloon singer who finds herself caught between a charming young man and a ruthless dictator, portrayed by Noah Beery.

An English explorer, troubled by the customs of a remote tribe, tries to save a native girl he's grown drawn to. *The Devil Dancer* was widely acclaimed for its stunning visuals, particularly its masterful use of light and shadow, and…

"The Magic Flame" (1927), directed by Henry King and produced by Samuel Goldwyn, is based on the play "Konig Harlekin" by Rudolph Lothar. George Barnes received a nomination for Best Cinematography at the 1st Academy Awards for his work on…

This film follows the experiences of immigrants as they arrive in the United States.

This is the third Warner Bros. Feature film to incorporate synchronized sound, following *The Jazz Singer* and *Tenderloin*. It features talking sequences, a Vitaphone musical score, and sound effects. A surviving copy is held at the Library of Congress in…

Stephen Sorrell, a war hero, raises his son Kit alone after Kit’s mother left him and his child when Kit was a baby. Sorrell loses a good job opportunity and takes a low-paying job as a hotel porter. The hard…

Against the colorful, ever-changing setting of a traveling carnival, a determined young woman struggles with poverty and homelessness. She finds a place among the carnival's diverse performers and meets a carefree painter who travels with only his art supplies. Their…

In 1910s Paris, the film tells the story of a quiet sewer worker struggling with doubt about his faith. A chance meeting with a resourceful young girl makes him feel like his prayers have been answered. Their love story unfolds…

In Pago Pago, American Samoa, Sadie Thompson seeks a fresh start after a troubled past. She meets Timothy O'Hara, a sailor who accepts her history, defying local customs. Their growing connection is threatened by Mr. Davidson, a missionary determined to…

The film follows a young Jewish man balancing cultural expectations with his dreams of becoming a jazz singer. His family, rooted in tradition, disapproves of his chosen career. This is a landmark film as it's the first full-length movie with…

Producer-director Alexander Korda approaches the story of Helen of Troy with a light touch, avoiding any serious treatment. Maria Corda plays the title character as a flirtatious woman, seemingly unaware of the political chaos she ignites when she is abducted…

Set during World War I, the film follows two American soldiers as they struggle to evade German forces while competing for the affections of a captivating harem girl. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in partnership with the University of…

A family living in the remote jungles of Northern Siam has its life upended by a disruptive presence: elephants. The animals' actions impact not only the family but also the entire nearby village.

Charlie, a traveling handyman, arrives at a small-town circus and quickly becomes essential with his cleverness and juggling skills. He rises to become the star performer, winning over audiences with his easygoing personality. But Charlie is also drawn to Mabel,…

In New York City, John's life is marked by ambition and unpredictable challenges. He meets Mary, someone who understands his dreams and struggles. They begin a difficult journey together, set against the backdrop of a demanding city. Facing parenthood, financial…

In the heartland, a family man faces a difficult moral choice when he meets a captivating city woman. He struggles to balance his farm, his marriage, and her growing influence. Her enigmatic allure tempts him with dark desires, leading him…

In early 1900s Milwaukee, August Schiller, a content bank clerk with a stable job and family life, is entrusted with transporting $1,000 in securities to Chicago. On the train, he encounters a captivating woman who persuades him into buying her…