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The Breakthrough Years of Cinema Stars
First major success in 1920
Lil Dagover
This year saw her international breakthrough role as Jane in Robert Wiene's groundbreaking Expressionist film The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. The film's critical and commercial success established her as a prominent actress in German cinema.
1921
1921
1922
1924
1925
1926
Her lead roles in The Devil's Pass Key (1920) established her as a prominent ingenue.
1922
1922
1922
1923
1923
1924
Barbara La Marr
Made her film debut in Harriet and the Piper (1920), quickly becoming a notable femme fatale.
1923
1923
1923
1924
1924
1924
Stepped into significant leading roles like The Prince Chap (1920), establishing her as a popular ingenue.
1918
1918
1918
1920
1922
1925
Richard Dix
Made his acting debut in Not Guilty (1920), quickly rising to prominence as a popular leading man.
1924
1926
1930
1931
1936
His starring role in Blue Blazes (1920) launched his career as a romantic leading man in Hollywood.
1930
1931
1933
1934
Claude France
Claude France made her film debut in the early 1920s, with her role in Marcel L'Herbier's notable film L'homme du large providing an important early platform. This association with a prominent director helped establish her presence in French cinema.
1927
1928
1931
Marguerite De La Motte
Marguerite De La Motte achieved widespread recognition starring as Lolita Pulido opposite Douglas Fairbanks in the highly successful swashbuckler "The Mark of Zorro. This iconic role established her as a prominent leading lady of the silent screen.
1922
1923
1925
His acclaimed performance as Smithers in Eugene O'Neill's seminal Broadway play The Emperor Jones marked his early breakthrough on the legitimate stage. This role established him as a significant presence in the New York theatre scene.
1929
1934
Barbara Bedford
Barbara Bedford achieved her first major breakthrough role as Cora Munro in the critically acclaimed silent film "The Last of the Mohicans. This significant part in a celebrated adaptation of James Fenimore Cooper's novel established her as a prominent leading lady in Hollywood.
1922
Hugo Björne
The film Carolina Rediviva saw Björne take on the dual role of co-director and lead actor. This project marked a significant early career breakthrough, demonstrating his ambition and versatility beyond just acting in supporting roles.
1925

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