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1. Photographers began experimenting with motion pictures as early as the 1870s. These very early films were regarded mainly as curiosities. It was not until the turn of the century that films became commercially viable. One of the first was a 1902 French film that was an international success. What was it?
2. It was not long until Americans started making motion pictures. A 1903 film by Edwin S. Porter was one of the first American blockbusters. It is noted for its creative camera work, and the final scene where a cowboy fires a pistol directly at the audience. What was the name of this early cinema classic?
3. Most early silent films were very short. An Australian film released in 1906 is regarded as the first "feature length" film ever produced. What was it called?
4. In 1915, D. W. Griffith released a motion picture set in the Civil War era that would change motion pictures forever. What was it called?
5. Even during the earliest days of the motion picture industry, it was understood that "sex sells". Who is widely regarded as the first silent movie sex symbol, starring in such films as "A Fool There Was", "The Devil's Daughter", and "Sin"?
6. One of my favorite silent film stars is Clara Bow. Although she had already appeared in dozens of movies, which 1927 film made her the biggest star in Hollywood?
7. There were many great comedians in silent films. One of my favorites was a thin, bookish looking man who usually wore round glasses and was noted for doing daring stunts. His most famous film may be one called "Safety Last!" where he is shown hanging from the hands of a clock, far above a busy street. Who was he?
8. This film, starring Rudolph Valentino and Agnes Ayres, tells the story of forbidden love between an Arab man and an English woman, and helped to turn Valentino into a superstar. What was it?
9. Our next film, set during WWI and starring Clara Bow, Charles "Buddy" Rogers, and Richard Arlen, was the first silent film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. It also features Gary Cooper in a small role. What is the name of this famous movie?
10. All good things have to come to an end, and in 1927 a motion picture was released that would spell the end of silent pictures. Starring Al Jolson, this early "talkie" would soon render silent movies obsolete. What was it?
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