This is the Era of Silent Films Quiz

Answer: The Pilgrim

Released in 1923, "The Pilgrim" is a comedy that has Chaplin somewhat reform himself while he poses as a minister. Over time he gains the trust of some influential individuals who actually speak to his character after they realize he is a convict. The film ends with Chaplin's character contemplating going to Mexico where he has been told by a sheriff to go or risk trying to stay in the United States.

Answer: Beau Geste

"Beau Geste" tells the story of three brothers that get mixed up in an investigation regarding the theft of a valuable gem called the Blue Water. In order to protect their aunt who actually stole the gem, the brothers, including Michael "Beau" Geste, falsely admit to the crime and join the French Foreign Legion.

Answer: West of Zanzibar

Based on a 1926 Broadway play called "Kongo", the film "West of Zanzibar" begins with Phroso (Lon Chaney) being left by his wife for Crane (Lionel Barrymore). During an argument between the two men Phroso falls and becomes crippled. The two men eventually meet again 18 years later in Zanzibar where they are eventually killed by the natives.

Answer: The Ten Commandments

The 1923 version of "The Ten Commandments" was a critical and commercial success as its $4.2 million box office was nearly three times its budget. The film was notable for being one of the first to use the Technicolor process 2. After telling the story of Exodus, the film focuses on a mother that tells her sons about the Ten Commandments.

Her son John ends up following the Ten Commandments and leads a poor but honest life whereas her son Danny breaks them and leads a life of corruption that ultimately ruins him.

Answer: Cobra

The movie "Cobra" is well-known for far exceeding its budget primarily due to disagreements between Paramount Pictures, the creative talent behind the movie, and the cast. Rudolph Valentino plays the part of Count Rodrigo Torriani who is tempted by both his friend's wife and a secretary he works with. After his friend's wife dies Rodrigo decides to go back home to Europe.

Answer: The Playhouse

Much of "The Playhouse" is designed as a jab at fellow silent film producer Thomas Ince who Buster Keaton felt credited himself too much in his productions. Thus in "The Playhouse" Keaton essentially plays all of the roles and does much of the creative work but he gives partial directing and writing credit to Edward F. Cline. Part of "The Playhouse" concerns Buster Keaton falling in love with a girl who has a twin sister and his struggles to know which one is the one that likes him.

Answer: J'accuse!

The romance in "J'accuse!" is a stark contrast to the horrific battles of World War I depicted in the film. The opening scene of the film is shot from above and soldiers are lined up in a way to spell out the movie's title. In the movie Jean Diaz is the romantic rival of Francois Laurin.

The two eventually become friends and after Francois dies Jean returns home and has mental breakdowns. Somehow he is able to compel dead village members to rise from their graves to show living village members the horror of war.

Answer: Go West

Portrayed as a vagabond, Friendless decides to go west after he is unable to find work in the city. While traveling he works in cattle wrangling and meets a cow named Brown Eyes that won't produce milk. The cattle where Friendless works are shipped to Los Angeles where they are to be sold but Friendless ends up saving them from certain death. "Go West" ends with Friendless and Brown Eyes sitting next to each other while being driven back to their ranch.

Answer: Piccadilly

"Piccadilly" is set in the profitable nightclub Piccadilly Circus which is headlined by its dancers Mabel and Vic. The nightclub owner Wilmot is romantically involved with Mabel so when he learns that Vic likes her he intends to fire Vic. Vic quits before he can do so and the club struggles until Wilmot hires a Chinese dancer named Shosho. Shosho is eventually murdered and while Mabel is suspected Shosho's former boyfriend Jim confesses to the murder as he is dying.

Answer: Liberty

"Liberty" was directed by Leo McCarey and its running time is just 20 minutes. The actors star as Stan and Ollie who evade a cop and end up at a construction site where they nearly die several times. The comedy also depicts a crab that manages to get into Stan's pants which unsurprisingly causes him some discomfort.

The two men are eventually able to switch their pants back to the correct owners.