1. Movies of the 1920s
Moving Pictures started out as a means to provide information to the masses, but soon became entertainment.

5. Introduction of Movies
The first moving pictures that came into the theatres were news reels created to provide information to the American people. But the magic of the big screen quickly evolved into entertainment for the masses. By the end of the 1920s, it was estimated that most Americans went to the movie theatre at least once a week.

6. The Big Hits
On October 6, 1927, the first “talkie” was released in New York City. Movies, like The Jazz Singer and The Sheik, brought movie-goers into glamorous theatres filled with extravagance from around the world. And then, the movies took Americans anywhere and everywhere they imagined. The magic of the movies also transformed into other areas, with Americans begging for more and more entertainment.

7. Shining Stars
As movie entertainment became a big hit, stars and starlets became household names. Young girls dreamed of becoming big hit actresses like Clara Bow, Mary Pickford, or Gloria Swanson and young men hoped they could live the exciting lives of the best Hollywood actors like Rudolph Valentino or even comedian Charlie Chaplin. Even gossip about the movies became quickly popular, and gossip columnist Hedda Hopper was a household name.

8. The Numbers
Movies started off at 5-10 cents for one-two hours entertainment in the great theatres that popped up across the country. Even small towns found movie theatres being built in their downtowns, bringing in the audiences of all ages. The movie scenes showed every American the opportunities available to them in the world, and the movies also opened everyone up to the changes in society that would be experienced by all.