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20 Classic Mystery Movies Before 1920: A Journey into Early Cinematic Enigma

The world of cinema has a rich history, and within that history lies a treasure trove of mystery movies that set the stage for the suspenseful and enigmatic films we enjoy today. In this cinematic journey, we’ll delve into the early days of filmmaking, before the talkies arrived, to explore 20 classic mystery movies made before 1920. These pioneering films not only introduced audiences to intriguing plots and thrilling suspense but also laid the foundation for the mystery genre as we know it today.

  1. “The Great Train Robbery” (1903) – Directed by Edwin S. Porter. A silent short film that tells the story of a train robbery. Notable for its innovative use of editing and action sequences.
  2. “The Stolen Submarine” (1909) – Directed by Lewin Fitzhamon. A silent short film featuring a stolen submarine and a daring rescue mission.
  3. “The Lonedale Operator” (1911) – Directed by D.W. Griffith. A silent short film involving a telegraph operator who thwarts a train robbery.
  4. “The Mystery of the Leaping Fish” (1916) – Directed by John Emerson. A silent comedy-mystery film starring Douglas Fairbanks as detective Coke Ennyday, who investigates a bizarre case involving drug smuggling.
  5. “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” (1916) – Directed by Stuart Paton. An early adaptation of Jules Verne’s novel, this silent film features underwater adventures and the enigmatic Captain Nemo.
  6. “The House of Mystery” (1916) – Directed by Alexandre Volkoff. A silent serial with episodes of intrigue and suspense, centered around a mysterious mansion.
  7. “The Return of Sherlock Holmes” (1920) – Directed by Basil Dean. Starring Eille Norwood as Sherlock Holmes, this silent film follows the famous detective as he returns to solve more cases.
  8. “The Bat” (1920) – Directed by Roland West. A silent film adaptation of the popular play, featuring a criminal known as “The Bat” who terrorizes a mansion.
  9. “The Penalty” (1920) – Directed by Wallace Worsley. Starring Lon Chaney as a criminal mastermind with amputated legs seeking revenge.
  10. “The Last of the Mohicans” (1920) – Directed by Clarence Brown and Maurice Tourneur. An early adaptation of James Fenimore Cooper’s novel, with themes of adventure and intrigue.
  11. “The Spiders – Part 1: The Golden Sea” (1919) – Directed by Fritz Lang. Part of a two-part silent adventure-mystery series involving secret societies and treasure hunting.
  12. “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” (1913) – Directed by Herbert Brenon and Carl Laemmle. An early adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel, featuring King Baggot in the dual role.
  13. “The Exploits of Elaine” (1914) – Directed by Louis J. Gasnier and George B. Seitz. A silent serial with Pearl White as the titular character, solving mysteries and battling criminals.
  14. “The Perils of Pauline” (1914) – Directed by Louis J. Gasnier and Donald MacKenzie. A popular silent serial starring Pearl White in various adventurous and perilous situations.
  15. “Judex” (1916) – Directed by Louis Feuillade. A silent crime thriller with a mysterious avenger, Judex, who fights against a corrupt banker.
  16. “The Hidden Hand” (1917) – Directed by James Vincent. A silent drama-mystery film involving a secret society and a missing heiress.
  17. “The Red Glove” (1919) – Directed by Charles Swickard. A silent film featuring a detective who investigates a series of thefts tied to a mysterious red glove.
  18. “The Eyes of the Mummy” (1918) – Directed by Ernst Lubitsch. A silent horror-mystery film with Pola Negri as an Egyptian woman with a dark secret.
  19. “The Cat and the Canary” (1920) – Directed by Paul Leni. A silent horror-mystery film set in a spooky mansion, featuring Laura La Plante and Creighton Hale.
  20. “The Ghost Breaker” (1914) – Directed by Cecil B. DeMille. A silent comedy-mystery featuring a haunted castle, ghosts, and mysterious occurrences.

As we reflect on these 20 classic mystery movies made before 1920, it becomes clear that the allure of suspense, intrigue, and the quest for answers has been captivating audiences for over a century. From the daring adventures of Sherlock Holmes to the haunting mysteries of spooky mansions, these films remind us of the enduring power of storytelling and the magic of cinema. While the technology and techniques of filmmaking have evolved over the years, the essence of a good mystery endures, reminding us that the thrill of the unknown is timeless and continues to captivate audiences worldwide. So, whether you’re a fan of vintage cinema or simply love a good mystery, consider exploring these early gems of the silver screen to experience the origins of cinematic enigma.

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Artistic Director Walt Frasier

With over 30 years of experience in theater, comedy, and television, Walt Frasier is the Artistic Director of Improv Theater LLC, a leading edutainment center known for its high-impact comedy shows and workshops. His extensive career includes performing comedy sketches on MTV’s Stankervision, Late Nite with David Letterman, TruTV’s Friends of the People, and HBO’s Pause with Sam Jay. As an actor, Walt has appeared on NBC’s Blacklist, CBS’s Blue Bloods, USA’s Royal Pains, Netflix’s Lilyhammer, and NICK’s Naked Brothers Band, in addition to numerous commercials, industrials, and live performances worldwide.