The 1910’s was a game-changing decade for the film industry. The first world war saw Hollywood become the world’s most successful film capital. This was due to European film companies being hurt by the war. The 1910s also saw the American film industry move from New York to California. This was because most motion picture patents were owned by the motion picture patents company. The patents only covered the eastern states of America, so film producers just moved to LA to escape them. Here are the 10 Best Films Of The 1910s.
20,000 Leagues Under The Sea (1916)
The story of Captain Nemo and his quest for revenge. Using his very own submarine, he hunts a man who caused pain to many. 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea was the first motion picture to be filmed underwater. Hal Erickson once said: “the cost of this film was so astronomical that it could not possibly post a profit.”
The Birth Of A Nation (1915)
The story of two families both during and after the American Civil War. One family is pro-union and the other is pro-confederacy. It is one of the most disgusting and controversial movies ever. This is due to it’s positive portrayal of the KKK, and it’s portrayal of African-Americans as savages. The film is unquestionably racist. But is still seen as one of the best produced films of the era.
Broken Blossoms (1919)
A young woman, abused by her father in a seedy district of London, befriends a kind Chinese immigrant. But the consequences of their friendship are shocking and tragic.
The Student Of Prague (1913)
A poor student falls in love with the wealthy countess after he rescues her. He makes a deal with a sorcerer. The sorcerer offers to make him rich beyond his wildest dreams! All he has to do is sign a contract. So he signs the contract without even knowing what he is agreeing to. It is set in 1820, and is partly based on an Edgar Allen Poe short story.
Blind Husbands (1919)
The story of an Austrian military officer who attempts to romance the neglected wife of an American doctor. When the doctor needs to travel for work, he asks the Austrian officer to look after his wife. He dun goofed.
J’accuse (1919)
2 men meet for the first time in the trenches of the first world war. One of the men soon learns that his lover is the wife of the other man, and their tale takes many complex twists and turns.
The Perils Of Pauline (1914)
Pauline is left a fortune when her uncle dies. But she will only receive the money when she gets married. Until then, she will be under the supervision of her new legal guardian. But her guardian has more than one plan to make Pauline disappear. The film is a lot of fun so I really recommend this one.
Behind The Screen (1916)
One of Charlie Chaplin’s best films! He plays a low-level labourer at a film studio. Most of the film studio employees are on strike against their borderline evil boss. But Charlie spends his time helping a lady find a job.
Frankenstein (1910)
The story of a medical student who sets out to create the perfect human being. But he fails, and what he creates is far from perfect… and far from human. His fiancée comforts him after he is shaken by the thought of what he created. But on his wedding night, he is visited by the monster he can no longer control.
Intolerance: Love’s Struggle Throughout The Ages (1916)
The tales of incidences of intolerance throughout history are seemingly connected to a young woman who, due to discrimination, is separated from her child and husband. The film plays out 4 stories over it’s 3 and a half hour length. Each set in a different historical era, and features a different individual colour tint. The film was produced by D.H. Griffith, who also produced The Birth Of A Nation. He made this film as a response to the criticism he received from his previous work. A perfect response. And so that’s the best of the Films Of The 1910s – it was a good decade.