The following is an overview of 1921 in film, including significant events, a list of films released and notable births and deaths.

Top-grossing films (U.S.)

The top seven films released in 1921 by U.S. gross are as follows:

Events

*January 21 – The silent comedy drama '' The Kid'', written by, produced by, directed by and starring Charlie Chaplin (in his Tramp character) – his first full-length film as a director – and featuring

Jackie Coogan John Leslie Coogan (October 26, 1914 – March 1, 1984) was an American actor and comedian who began his film career as a child actor in silent films. Charlie Chaplin's film classic ''The Kid'' (1921) made him one of the first child stars in the ...

, is released in the United States. It is the year's second-highest-grossing film. *March 6 – The silent

epic Epic commonly refers to: * Epic poetry, a long narrative poem celebrating heroic deeds and events significant to a culture or nation * Epic film, a genre of film with heroic elements Epic or EPIC may also refer to: Arts, entertainment, and medi ...

war film '' The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse'', adapted for the screen by June Mathis, is released in the United States. It is the year's highest-grossing film (and the sixth-best-grossing silent film of all time), propels Rudolph Valentino to stardom and inspires a tango craze and a fashion for gaucho pants. *August 29 – Broadway's first $1 million theatre, Loew's State opens. *September 5 – Popular comedian Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle attends a party at the St. Francis Hotel, San Francisco, during which actress Virginia Rappe is fatally injured; although he is eventually acquitted of rape and manslaughter, the scandal derails his career. *October 21 – George Melford's silent film '' The Sheik'', which enhances leading actor Rudolph Valentino's international reputation as a Latin lover, is premiered in Los Angeles. Within the first year of its release, it exceeds $1 million in ticket sales. *October 26 – The Chicago Theatre, which will be the oldest surviving French-style Baroque Revival grand movie palace, opens. *The experimental short

documentary film A documentary film or documentary is a non-fictional motion-picture intended to "document reality, primarily for the purposes of instruction, education or maintaining a historical record". Bill Nichols has characterized the documentary in te ...

'' Manhatta'' is shot by painter

Charles Sheeler Charles Sheeler (July 16, 1883 – May 7, 1965) was an American artist known for his Precisionism, Precisionist paintings, commercial photographer, commercial photography, and the avant-garde film, ''Manhatta'', which he made in collaboration wit ...

and photographer

Paul Strand Paul Strand (October 16, 1890 – March 31, 1976) was an American photographer and filmmaker who, along with fellow modernist photographers like Alfred Stieglitz and Edward Weston, helped establish photography as an art form in the 20th century ...

in New York City.

Notable films released in 1921

United States The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 U.S. state, states, a Washington, D.C., federal district, five ma ...

unless stated.

A

*'' The Ace of Hearts'', directed by Wallace Worsley, starring Lon Chaney and Leatrice Joy *'' Action'' (lost), directed by

John Ford John Martin Feeney (February 1, 1894 – August 31, 1973), known professionally as John Ford, was an American film director and naval officer. He is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential filmmakers of his generation. He ...

, starring Hoot Gibson *'' The Adventures of Mr. Pickwick'' (lost), directed by Thomas Bentley, starring Frederick Volpe – ( GB) *'' The Adventures of Tarzan'', 15-part serial directed by Robert F. Hill and Scott Sidney, starring Elmo Lincoln *'' The Affairs of Anatol'', directed by Cecil B. DeMille, starring Wallace Reid and Gloria Swanson *'' After Midnight'', directed by Ralph Ince *'' After Your Own Heart'', directed by

George Marshall George Catlett Marshall Jr. (December 31, 1880 – October 16, 1959) was an American army officer and statesman. He rose through the United States Army to become Chief of Staff of the US Army under Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry ...

, starring

Tom Mix Thomas Edwin Mix (born Thomas Hezikiah Mix; January 6, 1880 – October 12, 1940) was an American film actor and the star of many early Western films between 1909 and 1935. He appeared in 291 films, all but nine of which were silent films. He ...

*'' All Soul's Eve'' (lost), directed by Chester M. Franklin, starring Mary Miles Minter and Jack Holt, based on the 1920 stage play by

Anne Crawford Flexner Anne Crawford Flexner (June 27, 1874 – January 11, 1955) born Anne Laziere Crawford, was an American playwright. Early life and education Anne Laziere Crawford was born in Georgetown, Kentucky, the daughter of Louis G. Crawford and Susan Far ...

*'' Among Those Present'', directed by

Fred C. Newmeyer Fred C. Newmeyer (August 9, 1888 – April 24, 1967) was an American actor, film director and film producer. Biography A native of Central City, Colorado, Newmeyer is best known for directing a handful of films in the ''Our Gang'' series and fo ...

, starring

Harold Lloyd Harold Clayton Lloyd, Sr. (April 20, 1893 – March 8, 1971) was an American actor, comedian, and stunt performer who appeared in many silent comedy films.Obituary '' Variety'', March 10, 1971, page 55. One of the most influential film c ...

*'' L'Atlantide'', directed by Jacques Feyder, based on the 1919

novel A novel is a relatively long work of narrative fiction, typically written in prose and published as a book. The present English word for a long work of prose fiction derives from the for "new", "news", or "short story of something new", itsel ...

by Pierre Benoit – (

France France (), officially the French Republic ( ), is a country primarily located in Western Europe. It also comprises of overseas regions and territories in the Americas and the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Its metropolitan ar ...

)

B

*'' Die Bergkatze (The Wild Cat)'', directed by Ernst Lubitsch, starring Pola Negri and

Paul Heidemann Paul may refer to: *Paul (given name), a given name (includes a list of people with that name) * Paul (surname), a list of people People Christianity *Paul the Apostle (AD c.5–c.64/65), also known as Saul of Tarsus or Saint Paul, early Chri ...

– (

Germany Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG),, is a country in Central Europe. It is the most populous member state of the European Union. Germany lies between the Baltic and North Sea to the north and the Alps to the sou ...

) *'' The Bigamist'', starring and directed by Guy Newall with

Ivy Duke Ivy Duke (9 June 1896, Kensington, London – 8 November 1937, London) was a British actress.Ivy Duke
. bfi.org.uk Sh ...

– ( GB) *'' The Blot'', directed by Lois Weber *'' The Boat'', directed by

Edward F. Cline Edward Francis Cline (November 4, 1891 – May 22, 1961) was an American screenwriter, actor, writer and director best known for his work with comedians W.C. Fields and Buster Keaton. He was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin and died in Hollywood, Cal ...

and Buster Keaton, starring Buster Keaton *'' The Bonnie Brier Bush'' (lost), starring and directed by Donald Crisp – ( GB) *''

Brewster's Millions ''Brewster's Millions'' is a comedic novel written by George Barr McCutcheon in 1902, originally under the pseudonym of Richard Greaves. The plot concerns a young man whose grandfather leaves him $1 million in a will, but a competing will from an ...

'' (lost), directed by Joseph Henabery, starring Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle *''

Brownie's Little Venus ''Brownie's Little Venus'' is a 1921 American silent short film written and directed by Fred Fishback for Century Film Company and starring Baby Peggy and Brownie the Wonder Dog. It premiered at the Rivoli Theatre in New York City, New York, Uni ...

'', directed by Fred Fishback, starring Baby Peggy *'' Buried Treasure'', directed by George D. Baker, starring Marion Davies and Norman Kerry

C

*'' The Call of Youth'' (lost), directed by Hugh Ford *'' Camille'', directed by Ray C. Smallwood, starring Alla Nazimova and Rudolph Valentino *'' The Case of Becky'', directed by Chester M. Franklin, starring

Constance Binney Constance Binney (June 28, 1896 – November 15, 1989) was an American stage and film actress and dancer. Biography Born in New York City, Binney was educated at Westover School, a private college preparatory boarding school for girls in M ...

, based on the 1912 stage play by David Belasco and Edward Locke *'' A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court'' (lost), directed by

Emmett J. Flynn Emmett J. Flynn (November 9, 1891 in Denver, Colorado – June 4, 1937 in Hollywood, California) was an American director, screenwriter, actor, and producer. Filmography As director * 1917 : ''Alimony'' * 1918 : '' The Racing Strain'' ...

*'' The Conquering Power'', directed by Rex Ingram, starring Rudolph Valentino and Alice Terry

D

*'' Desire (Sehnsucht)'' (lost), directed by F. W. Murnau, starring

Conrad Veidt Hans Walter Conrad Veidt (; 22 January 1893 – 3 April 1943) was a German film actor who attracted early attention for his roles in the films '' Different from the Others'' (1919), ''The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari'' (1920), and '' The Man Who Laug ...

– (

) *''

Destiny Destiny, sometimes referred to as fate (from Latin ''fatum'' "decree, prediction, destiny, fate"), is a predetermined course of events. It may be conceived as a predetermined future, whether in general or of an individual. Fate Although oft ...

(Der müde Tod)'', directed by

Fritz Lang Friedrich Christian Anton Lang (; December 5, 1890 – August 2, 1976), known as Fritz Lang, was an Austrian film director, screenwriter, and producer who worked in Germany and later the United States.Obituary ''Variety'', August 4, 1976, p. 6 ...

, starring Lil Dagover and Rudolf Klein-Rogge – (

) * '' The Devil'', directed by James Young, starring George Arliss, based on the 1908 stage play by Ferenc Molnár *'' Disraeli'' (lost), directed by Henry Kolker, starring George Arliss *'' The Dollar-a-Year Man'' (lost), directed by James Cruze, starring Roscoe "Fatty" ArbuckleKinnard,Roy (1995). "Horror in Silent Films". McFarland and Company Inc. . Page 124.

E

*''El Capullo Marchito'', directed by José Nepomuceno – (

Philippines The Philippines (; fil, Pilipinas, links=no), officially the Republic of the Philippines ( fil, Republika ng Pilipinas, links=no), * bik, Republika kan Filipinas * ceb, Republika sa Pilipinas * cbk, República de Filipinas * hil, Republ ...

) *''

El Dorado El Dorado (, ; Spanish for "the golden"), originally ''El Hombre Dorado'' ("The Golden Man") or ''El Rey Dorado'' ("The Golden King"), was the term used by the Spanish in the 16th century to describe a mythical tribal chief (''zipa'') or kin ...

'', directed by Marcel L'Herbier – (

) *'' Enchantment'', directed by Robert G. Vignola, starring Marion Davies *''

Experience Experience refers to conscious events in general, more specifically to perceptions, or to the practical knowledge and familiarity that is produced by these conscious processes. Understood as a conscious event in the widest sense, experience invol ...

'' (lost), directed by George Fitzmaurice, starring Richard Barthelmess

F

*'' The Fire Eater'', directed by B. Reeves Eason, starring Hoot Gibson *'' Fool's Paradise'', directed by Cecil B. DeMille, starring Conrad Nagel and Mildred Harris *'' Forever'' (lost), directed by George Fitzmaurice, starring Elsie Ferguson and Wallace Reid *'' The Four Feathers'', directed by René Plaissetty – ( GB) *'' The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse'', directed by Rex Ingram, starring Rudolph Valentino

G

*'' The Goat'', directed by

Mal St. Clair Malcolm St. Clair (May 17, 1897 – June 1, 1952) was a Hollywood film director, writer, producer and actor. Biography A disciple of Mack Sennett, St. Clair was an actor in many films primarily comedies. At 6'7" he can be seen in such Sennet ...

and Buster Keaton, starring Buster Keaton *'' The Ghost in the Garret'' (lost), directed by F. Richard Jones, starring Dorothy Gish *''Godfather Death (Der Gevatter Tod)'', directed by

Heinz Hanus Heinz Hanus (24 May 1882 – 16 March 1972) was an Austrian actor and film director. He directed 21 films between 1908 and 1929. His younger brother was actor and film director Emmerich Hanus Emmerich Hanus (24 August 1884 – 20 Nov ...

, based on the 1884 short story ''Der Pate des Todes'' by Rudolf Baumbach – (

Austria Austria, , bar, Östareich officially the Republic of Austria, is a country in the southern part of Central Europe, lying in the Eastern Alps. It is a federation of nine states, one of which is the capital, Vienna, the most populous ...

) * '' The Grinning Face (Das grinsende Gesicht)'', directed by

Julius Herska Julius Herska or Julius Herzka (1859–1925) was an Austrian stage actor and director. He also directed eight films during the silent era including the Victor Hugo adaptation ''The Grinning Face''.John T. Soister & Henry Nicolella p.52 Selected f ...

, based on the 1869 novel '' The Man Who Laughs'' by

Victor Hugo Victor-Marie Hugo (; 26 February 1802 – 22 May 1885) was a French Romantic writer and politician. During a literary career that spanned more than sixty years, he wrote in a variety of genres and forms. He is considered to be one of the great ...

– (

) *''

The Gunsaulus Mystery ''The Gunsaulus Mystery'' is a 1921 American silent race film directed, produced, and written by Oscar Micheaux. The film was inspired by events and figures in the 1913-1915 trial of Leo Frank for the murder of Mary Phagan. The film is now beli ...

'' (lost), written and directed by

Oscar Micheaux Oscar Devereaux Micheaux (; January 2, 1884 – March 25, 1951) was an author, film director and independent producer of more than 44 films. Although the short-lived Lincoln Motion Picture Company was the first movie company owned and controlled ...

H

*'' Hail the Woman'', directed by John Griffith Wray, starring Florence Vidor *'' The Haunted Castle (Schloß Vogelöd)'', directed by F. W. Murnau, based on the novel by Rudolf Stratz – (

) *''

The Haunted House A haunted house is a building purported to be the site of paranormal activity. Haunted house may also refer to: Films and television * ''The Haunted House'' (1913 film), an American silent short comedy-drama * ''The Haunted House'' (1917 film ...

'', directed by

and Buster Keaton, starring Buster Keaton *'' The High Sign'', directed by

and Buster Keaton, starring Buster Keaton *'' His Brother's Keeper'' (lost), directed by Wilfrid North *'' L'Homme qui vendit son âme au diable (The Man Who Sold His Soul to the Devil)'', directed by Pierre Caron – (

) *'' The Hound of the Baskervilles'', directed by

Maurice Elvey Maurice Elvey (11 November 1887 – 28 August 1967) was one of the most prolific film directors in British history. He directed nearly 200 films between 1913 and 1957. During the silent film era he directed as many as twenty films per year. He ...

, starring Eille Norwood – ( GB) *''

Humor Risk ''Humor Risk'', also known as ''Humorisk'', is a lost unreleased 1921 silent comedy short film that was the first film to star the Marx Brothers (Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Chico Marx and Zeppo Marx). Production ''Humor Risk'' was directed b ...

'' (unreleased), directed by Dick Smith, starring the

Marx Brothers The Marx Brothers were an American family comedy act that was successful in vaudeville, on Broadway, and in motion pictures from 1905 to 1949. Five of the Marx Brothers' thirteen feature films were selected by the American Film Institute (AF ...

I

*'' The Idle Class'', a Charles Chaplin short *'' The Indian Tomb (Das Indische Grabmal)'', directed by Joe May, starring

– (

) *'' The Island of the Lost (Die Insel der Verschollenen)'', directed by Urban Gad, based on the 1896 novel ''

The Island of Doctor Moreau ''The Island of Doctor Moreau'' is an 1896 science fiction novel by English author H. G. Wells (1866–1946). The text of the novel is the narration of Edward Prendick who is a shipwrecked man rescued by a passing boat. He is left on the island ...

'' by H. G. Wells without authorization – (

)

J

*'' Jane Eyre'', directed by Hugo Ballin, starring Norman Trevor and Mabel Ballin, based on the 1847

by Charlotte Brontë *''

Jánošík Jánošík can refer to: * Jánošík, a village in Serbia with Slovak ethnic majority * Juraj Jánošík, a famous Slovak outlaw ** Jánošík (1921 film), a Slovak film ** Jánošík (1935 film), a Slovak film ** Jánošík I, a Slovak film * ...

'', directed by Jaroslav Jerry Siakeľ – (

Czechoslovakia , rue, Чеськословеньско, , yi, טשעכאסלאוואקיי, , common_name = Czechoslovakia , life_span = 1918–19391945–1992 , p1 = Austria-Hungary , image_p1 ...

) *'' Jim the Penman'', directed by

Kenneth Webb Kenneth is an English given name and surname. The name is an Anglicised form of two entirely different Gaelic personal names: ''Cainnech'' and '' Cináed''. The modern Gaelic form of ''Cainnech'' is ''Coinneach''; the name was derived from a by ...

, starring Lionel Barrymore *'' Journey into the Night (Der Gang in die Nacht)'', directed by F. W. Murnau – (

)

K

*'' The Kid'', a Charlie Chaplin film, with

*'' Kipps'', directed by Harold M. Shaw, starring George K. Arthur, based on the 1905

by H. G. Wells

L

*'' Land of My Fathers'' directed by Fred Rains, starring John Stuart – ( GB) *'' Leaves from Satan's Book (Blade af Satans Bog)'', directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer – (

Denmark ) , song = ( en, "King Christian stood by the lofty mast") , song_type = National and royal anthem , image_map = EU-Denmark.svg , map_caption = , subdivision_type = Sovereign state , subdivision_name = Kingdom of Denmark , establishe ...

) *'' Little Lord Fauntleroy'', directed by

Alfred E. Green Alfred Edward Green (July 11, 1889 – September 4, 1960) was an American film director. Green entered film in 1912 as an actor for the Selig Polyscope Company. He became an assistant to director Colin Campbell. He then started to direct two-reel ...

and Jack Pickford, starring Mary Pickford *''

The Lost Shadow ''The Lost Shadow'' (German: ''Der verlorene Schatten'') is a 1921 German silent film directed by Rochus Gliese and starring Paul Wegener, Wilhelm Bendow and Adele Sandrock. The cinematographer was Karl Freund. The film's sets were designed by th ...

(Der Verlorene Schatten)'' (lost), directed by Rochus Gliese, starring Paul WegenerKinnard,Roy (1995). "Horror in Silent Films". McFarland and Company Inc. . Page 126. – (

) *'' The Lotus Eater'' (lost), directed by

Marshall Neilan Marshall Ambrose "Mickey" Neilan (April 11, 1891 – October 27, 1958) was an American actor. Early life Born in San Bernardino, California, Neilan was known by most as "Mickey." Following the death of his father, the eleven-year-old Mickey N ...

, starring John Barrymore and Colleen Moore *'' The Love Light'', directed by Frances Marion, starring Mary Pickford * ''

Lucky Carson ''Lucky Carson'' is a 1921 American silent drama film directed by Wilfrid North. It features Earle Williams, Earl Schenck, Betty Ross Clarke, Gertrude Astor, Collette Forbes, James Butler, and Loyal Underwood in the lead roles. Plot As descri ...

'' (lost), directed by Wilfrid North, starring Earle Williams *'' The Lucky Dog'', directed by

Jess Robbins Jess Robbins (April 30, 1886 – March 11, 1973) was an American film director, writer and producer. He directed more than 70 films between 1913 and 1927. He was the first director to direct Laurel and Hardy in the same motion picture, name ...

, starring Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy

M

*'' Mathias Sandorf'', directed by Henri Fescourt, starring Romuald Joubé – (

) *'' The Mechanical Man (L'uomo meccanico)'' (lost), starring and directed by

André Deed Henri André Chapais, known as André Deed (22 February 1879 – 4 October 1940), was a French actor and director, best known for his Foolshead comedies, produced in the 1900s and 1910s. André Deed was one of the first named actors in cinema, a ...

– (

Italy Italy ( it, Italia ), officially the Italian Republic, ) or the Republic of Italy, is a country in Southern Europe. It is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, and its territory largely coincides with the homonymous geographical ...

) *'' A Message From Mars'', directed by Maxwell Karger, starring Bert Lytell *'' A Midnight Bell'' (lost), starring and directed by Charles Ray, based on the 1889 stage play by Charles H. Hoyt *'' Miss Lulu Bett'', directed by William C. deMille, starring Lois Wilson and

Milton Sills Milton George Gustavus Sills (January 12, 1882 – September 15, 1930) was an American stage and film actor of the early twentieth century. Biography Sills was born in Chicago, Illinois, into a wealthy family. He was the son of William Henr ...

*'' Il mostro di Frankenstein (The Monster of Frankenstein)'' (lost), directed by Eugenio Testa – (

)

N

*'' Never Weaken'', directed by

and

Sam Taylor Samuel, Sam or Sammy Taylor (male first name) may refer to: Arts * Sam Taylor (director) (1895–1958), American film director and screenwriter * Samuel W. Taylor (1907–1997), American author * Samuel A. Taylor (1912–2000), playwright and scre ...

, starring

*'' The Nut'', directed by Theodore Reed, starring Douglas Fairbanks and Marguerite De La Motte

O

*'' The Offenders'' (lost), directed by Fenwicke Holmes *'' Orphans of the Storm'', directed by

D. W. Griffith David Wark Griffith (January 22, 1875 – July 23, 1948) was an American film director. Considered one of the most influential figures in the history of the motion picture, he pioneered many aspects of film editing and expanded the art of the na ...

, starring

Lillian Gish Lillian Diana Gish (October 14, 1893February 27, 1993) was an American actress, director, and screenwriter. Her film-acting career spanned 75 years, from 1912, in silent film shorts, to 1987. Gish was called the "First Lady of American Cinema" ...

and Dorothy Gish *'' The Other Person (Onder spiritistischen dwang)'', directed by Maurits Binger and

B. E. Doxat-Pratt Bernard Edwin Doxat-Pratt (1886 – unknown)B.E. Doxat-Pratt ...

, based on the 1920 novel by Fergus Hume – (

Netherlands ) , anthem = ( en, "William of Nassau") , image_map = , map_caption = , subdivision_type = Sovereign state , subdivision_name = Kingdom of the Netherlands , established_title = Before independence , established_date = Spanish Netherl ...

/ GB)

P

*'' The Painting of Osvaldo Mars (Il quadro di Osvaldo Mars)'', directed by Guido Brignone, starring Mercedes Brignone – (

) *'' Pan Twardowski'', directed by Wiktor Biegański – (

Poland Poland, officially the Republic of Poland, , is a country in Central Europe. Poland is divided into Voivodeships of Poland, sixteen voivodeships and is the fifth most populous member state of the European Union (EU), with over 38 mill ...

) *'' The Passion Flower'', directed by Herbert Brenon, starring Norma Talmadge *'' Peck's Bad Boy'', directed by Sam Wood, starring

*'' The Phantom Carriage (Körkarlen)'', starring and directed by

Victor Sjöström Victor David Sjöström (; 20 September 1879 – 3 January 1960), also known in the United States as Victor Seastrom, was a pioneering Swedish film director, screenwriter, and actor. He began his career in Sweden, before moving to Hollywood in ...

– ( Sweden) *'' The Playhouse'', directed by

and Buster Keaton, starring Buster Keaton

Q

*''

The Queen of Sheba The Queen of Sheba ( he, מַלְכַּת שְׁבָא‎, Malkaṯ Šəḇāʾ; ar, ملكة سبأ, Malikat Sabaʾ; gez, ንግሥተ ሳባ, Nəgśətä Saba) is a figure first mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. In the original story, she brin ...

'' (lost), directed by J. Gordon Edwards, starring Betty Blythe

S

*'' A Sailor-Made Man'', directed by

, starring

*'' School Days'', directed by William Nigh, starring Wesley Barry *'' Sentimental Tommy'' (lost), directed by

John S. Robertson John Stuart Robertson (14 June 1878 – 5 November 1964) was a Canadian born actor and later film director perhaps best known for his 1920 screen adaptation of ''Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'', starring John Barrymore. Biography Robertson was born ...

, starring Gareth Hughes *'' Seven Years Bad Luck'', a Max Linder film *'' The Sheik'', directed by George Melford, starring Agnes Ayres and Rudolph Valentino *'' The Silver Lining'', directed by Roland West, starring Jewel Carmen *'' The Sky Pilot'', directed by King Vidor, starring Colleen Moore *''Soul of the Cypress'', directed by Dudley Murphy *'' Squibs'', directed by George Pearson, starring Betty Balfour – ( GB) *'' Sybil'' (lost), directed by Jack Denton, starring Evelyn Brent – ( GB)

T

*'' The Three Musketeers'', directed by Fred Niblo, starring Douglas Fairbanks *'' Through the Back Door'', directed by

and Jack Pickford, starring Mary Pickford *''

Tol'able David ''Tol'able David'' is a 1921 American silent film based on the 1917 Joseph Hergesheimer short story of the same name. It was adapted to the screen by Edmund Goulding and directed by Henry King for Inspiration Pictures. A rustic tale of violen ...

'', directed by Henry King, starring Richard Barthelmess *'' Les Trois Mousquetaires (The Three Musketeers)'', directed by Henri Diamant-Berger – (

)

W

*'' Whispering Shadows'', directed by Émile Chautard *''

White and Unmarried ''White and Unmarried'' is a lost 1921 American comedy silent film directed by Tom Forman and written by Will M. Ritchey and John D. Swain. The film stars Thomas Meighan, Jacqueline Logan, Grace Darmond, Walter Long, Lloyd Whitlock, Fr ...

'' (lost), directed by Tom Forman, starring Thomas Meighan *'' Why Girls Leave Home'' (lost), directed by William Nigh, starring Anna Q. Nilsson *'' The Witching Hour'', directed by William Desmond Taylor, starring

Elliott Dexter Elliott Dexter (March 29, 1870 – June 21, 1941) was an American film and stage actor. Dexter started his career in vaudeville and did not move to films until he was 45. He retired from acting in 1925. Biography Dexter was born in Galve ...

, adapted from the 1907 stage play by Augustus ThomasKinnard,Roy (1995). "Horror in Silent Films". McFarland and Company Inc. . Page 128. *'' Woman's Place'', directed by Victor Fleming, starring Constance Talmadge *''

The Wonderful Thing ''The Wonderful Thing'' is a 1921 American drama film directed by Herbert Brenon and written by Clara Beranger and Herbert Brenon. It is based on the 1920 play ''The Wonderful Thing'' by Lillian Trimble Bradley and Forrest Halsey. The film star ...

'', directed by Herbert Brenon, starring Norma Talmadge and Harrison Ford

Comedy film series

*''

'' (1913–1938) *'' Charlie Chaplin'' (1914–1940) *'' Lupino Lane'' (1915–1939) *'' Buster Keaton'' (1917–1944) *''

Laurel and Hardy Laurel and Hardy were a British-American comedy duo act during the early Classical Hollywood era of American cinema, consisting of Englishman Stan Laurel (1890–1965) and American Oliver Hardy (1892–1957). Starting their career as a duo ...

'' (1921–1945)

Animated short film series

*'' Aesop's Film Fables'' (1921–1934) *'' Felix the Cat'' (1919–1936) *'' Koko the Clown'' (1919–1963)

Births

*January 3 –

John Russell John Russell may refer to: Arts and entertainment * John Russell (English painter) (1745–1806), English painter * John Russell (Australian painter) (1858–1930), Australian painter * John Russell (screenwriter) (1885–1956), author and scree ...

, actor (died 1991) *January 10 - George Robotham, American stuntman and actor (died 2007) *January 11 - Kathleen Byron, English actress (died 2009) *January 26 –

Elisabeth Kirkby Elisabeth Wilma Burton Kirkby (born 26 January 1921), alternatively Elizabeth Kirkby, is a British Australian retired politician. Kirkby entered politics serving with the Australian Democrats in the New South Wales Legislative Council as Sta ...

, British-born Australian actress, producer and director *January 27 – Donna Reed, actress (died 1986) *January 31 ** Carol Channing, musical actress (died 2019) ** Mario Lanza, singer and actor (died 1959) *February 1 – Peter Sallis, actor (died 2017) *February 8 –

Lana Turner Lana Turner ( ; born Julia Jean Turner; February 8, 1921June 29, 1995) was an American actress. Over the course of her nearly 50-year career, she achieved fame as both a pin-up model and a film actress, as well as for her highly publicized pe ...

, actress (died 1995) *February 16 – Vera-Ellen, actress, dancer (died 1981) *February 19 – Ann Savage, actress (died 2008) *February 22 – Giulietta Masina, actress (died 1994) *February 24 – Abe Vigoda, actor (died 2016) *February 26 – Betty Hutton, actress (died 2007) *March 3 – Diana Barrymore, actress (died 1960) *March 4 – Joan Greenwood, actress (died 1987) *March 8 – Alan Hale Jr., actor, restaurateur (died 1990) *March 10 – Charlotte Zucker, actress, mother of Jerry Zucker and David Zucker (died 2007) *March 12 – Gordon MacRae, actor, singer (died 1986) *March 23 – Geoffrey Chater, English actor (died 2021) *March 25 ** Nancy Kelly, actress (died 1995) ** Simone Signoret, actress (died 1985) *March 26 – Julie Harris, costume designer (died 2015) *March 28 – Dirk Bogarde, actor (died 1999) *April 1 –

Arieh Elias Arieh Elias ( he, אריה אליאס. 1 April 1921 – 7 May 2015) was an Israeli actor. Biography Arieh Elias was born in Baghdad. In 1941, he was the first Jew to be accepted to the drama faculty of Baghdad's Academy of Fine Arts. Elias ...

, Israeli actor (died 2015) *April 3 – Jan Sterling, actress (died 2004) *April 10 – Chuck Connors, actor (died 1992) *April 16 – Peter Ustinov, actor (died 2004) *April 23 ** Janet Blair, actress (died 2007) ** Gerald Campion, English actor (died 2002) *April 29 – Tommy Noonan, actor, screenwriter, producer (died

1968 The year was highlighted by Protests of 1968, protests and other unrests that occurred worldwide. Events January–February * January 5 – "Prague Spring": Alexander Dubček is chosen as leader of the Communist Party of Czechos ...

) *May 2 – Satyajit Ray, Indian filmmaker (died 1992) *May 16 -

Harry Carey Jr. Henry George Carey Jr. (May 16, 1921 – December 27, 2012) was an American actor. He appeared in more than 90 films, including several John Ford Westerns, as well as numerous television series. Early life Carey was born on a ranch near ...

, American actor (died 2012) *May 23 ** Grigori Chukhrai, Ukrainian film director (died 2001) ** Ray Lawler, Australian actor *May 30 - Jamie Uys, South African film director (died 1996) *May 31 – Alida Valli, actress (died 2006) *June 8 ** Sheila Ryan, actress (died

1975 It was also declared the ''International Women's Year'' by the United Nations and the European Architectural Heritage Year by the Council of Europe. Events January * January 1 - Watergate scandal (United States): John N. Mitchell, H. R. ...

) ** Alexis Smith, actress (died 1993) *June 18 – Wesley Lau, actor (died 1984) *June 19 – Louis Jourdan, actor (died 2015) *June 21 ** Judy Holliday, born Judith Tuvim, actress (died 1965) ** Jane Russell, actress (died 2011) *July 2 - Maria Britneva, Russian-British actress (died 1994) *July 3 – Susan Peters, actress (died 1952) *July 5 – Patricia Wright, American former actress *July 6 – Nancy Reagan, born Anne Robbins, actress and

First Lady of the United States The first lady of the United States (FLOTUS) is the title held by the hostess of the White House, usually the wife of the president of the United States, concurrent with the president's term in office. Although the first lady's role has never ...

(died 2016) *July 10 – Jeff Donnell, American actress (died 1988) *July 17 – František Zvarík, Slovakian actor (died 2008) *July 23 – Robert Brown, actor (died 2003) *August 3 – Marilyn Maxwell, actress (died 1972) *August 8 – Esther Williams, actress, swimmer (died 2013) *August 19 – Gene Roddenberry, screenwriter and producer (died 1991) *August 28 – Nancy Kulp, actress, comedienne (died 1991) *September 8 – Harry Secombe, actor, singer (died 2001) *September 27 – Miklós Jancsó, Hungarian director (died 2014) *September 30 – Deborah Kerr, actress (died 2007) *October 5 -

Nikolay Dupak Nikolay Lukyanovich Dupak (russian: Николай Лукьянович Дупак; born 5 October 1921) is a Soviet and Russian theater and film actor, theater director, the head of theaters. Front-line soldier, invalid of the World War II. Ho ...

, Soviet-Russian actor *October 13 – Yves Montand, singer, actor (died 1991) *November 3 – Charles Bronson, actor (died 2003) *November 5 – Moritz Yomtov, screenwriter (died 1992) *November 8 – Walter Mirisch, American film producer *November 14 - Brian Keith, American actor (died 1997) *November 21 – Vivian Blaine, actor, singer (died

1995 File:1995 Events Collage V2.png, From left, clockwise: O.J. Simpson is acquitted of the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman from the year prior in "The Trial of the Century" in the United States; The Great Hanshin earthquake strike ...

) *November 22 – Rodney Dangerfield, actor, comedian (died 2004) *November 23 –

Fred Buscaglione Ferdinando "Fred" Buscaglione (; 23 November 1921 – 3 February 1960) was an Italian singer and actor who became very popular in the late 1950s. His public persona – the character he played both in his songs and his movies – was of a humoro ...

, Italian actor and singer (died 1960) *December 4 – Deanna Durbin, actress (died 2013) *December 11 - Liz Smith, English character actress (died 2016) *December 15 -

Nikolai Lebedev (actor) Nikolai Sergeyevich Lebedev (russian: Николай Сергеевич Лебедев, link=no; 15 December 1921 – 21 August 2022) was a Soviet and Russian actor, People's Artist of Russia in 2018. A former soldier of the Red Army, he also ...

, Soviet-Russian actor (died 2022) *December 24 - Mickey Knox, American actor (died 2013) *December 26 – Steve Allen, actor, composer, comedian, author (died 2000)

Deaths

* February 8 – George Formby Sr, 45, British music hall entertainer who appeared in one film (pulmonary tuberculosis) * May 17 –

Karl Mantzius Karl Mantzius (20 February 1860 – 17 May 1921) was a Danish actor, stage and film director, theatre scholar, and operatic baritone. Life and career Mantzius was born in Copenhagen, the son of the actor Kristian Mantzius. At first he played sm ...

, 61, Danish actor, theatre director, writer * June 5 – Georges Feydeau, 58, French playwright, many of whose plays were adapted for the screen (syphilis) * June 11 -

Frank R. Mills Frank R. Mills (January 24, 1868 – June 11, 1921) was an American stage and silent film actor. In the 1890s he acted in a number of plays as a young juvenile. He is frequently mistaken for other actors with the name ''Frank Mills''. He began i ...

, 50, American stage and screen actor * June 20 –

George Loane Tucker George Loane Tucker (June 12, 1872 – June 20, 1921) was an American actor, silent film director, screenwriter, producer, and editor. Career Tucker was born George S. Loane in Chicago to George Loane and stage actress Ethel Tucker. After ...

, 49, American actor, screenwriter and director * July 9 – Robert Broderick, 56, American stage and film actor * September 9 – Virginia Rappe, 30,Illinois, Cook County Birth Registers, 1871-1915, Mabel Rapp in entry for Rapp, 07 Jul 1891; citing p.254 no.12677, Chicago, Cook, Illinois, Cook County Courthouse, Chicago; FHL microfilm 1,287,737. American actress * September 17 – Van Dyke Brooke, 62, American actor, screenwriter and film director

Film debuts

* Richard Arlen * George Arliss * Billie Dove * Basil Rathbone * Carole Lombard in A Perfect Crime (1921) * Fredric March

References

{{Reflist Film by year

Top-grossing films (U.S.)

Events

Notable films released in 1921

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Comedy film series

Animated short film series

Births

Deaths

Film debuts

See also

References