askvity

When Did Movies Become Popular?

Published in Film History 2 mins read

Based on the provided reference, movies became a popular form of entertainment in the United States beginning in the 1910s.

The Rise of Popular Film

The widespread popularity of movies in the United States can be traced back to the early 20th century. A key driver of this trend was the advent of the nickelodeon theater.

  • The Nickelodeon Era: In the United States, film established itself as a popular form of entertainment with the nickelodeon theater in the 1910s. These simple, affordable theaters allowed many people to experience movies for the first time, making cinema accessible to the masses.

The Transition to Sound

While silent films were popular in the 1910s and throughout the 1920s, a significant evolution solidified film's place in popular culture: the introduction of sound.

  • The Birth of the Talking Film: The release of The Jazz Singer in 1927 marked the birth of the talking film. This technological leap captivated audiences and rapidly changed the industry.
  • Silent Film Fades: By 1930, just a few years after the arrival of sound, silent film was a thing of the past, with sound films becoming the standard. This transition further boosted movie attendance and solidified cinema as a dominant entertainment medium.

In summary, movies achieved popularity in the United States primarily in the 1910s with the rise of nickelodeons, and this popularity was further cemented and transformed by the introduction of sound in the late 1920s.

Related Articles