Historical Events tagged with "silent films"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Arts & Culture

Launch of Steamboat Willie, Disney's Pioneer Cartoon

November 18th, 1928 96 years ago

Steamboat Willie premiered as the first fully synchronized sound cartoon, featuring iconic characters including Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, this landmark work debuted at the Colony Theater in New York City, showcasing a blend of innovative animation and synchronized sound technology that captivated audiences and marked a significant leap in animation history.

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Entertainment

Mary Pickford Signs Million-Dollar Contract

June 24th, 1916 108 years ago

Mary Pickford, a leading figure in early cinema, became the first female film star to sign a million-dollar contract with the studio, marking a significant milestone in the entertainment industry. This monumental contract was signed with the Famous Players-Lasky Corporation, showcasing Pickford's immense popularity and change in the perception of actors, especially women, in Hollywood at the time. Her signing represented not just her personal success, but also a cultural shift in the film industry, where stars began to receive compensation reflective of their status and influence in a rapidly growing medium.

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