
Movie spotlight
Super-Hooper-Dyne Lizzies
An eccentric inventor has thought of a way that automobiles can run on radio waves, without gasoline. His plans put him in conflict with the owner of an oil company, who is also pursuing the inventor's daughter. This rival begins to scheme against the inventor, and it is left up to the inventor's hired man to try to stop him.
Insights
Plot Summary
A spoiled young man enlists in the army during World War I, seeking adventure rather than patriotism. He is sent to France, where he experiences the horrors of war and falls in love with a French peasant girl. His journey transforms him from a naive playboy into a hardened soldier who witnesses the devastating realities of conflict and the resilience of the human spirit.
Critical Reception
Considered one of the greatest films of the silent era, 'The Big Parade' was a critical and commercial triumph, praised for its realistic portrayal of war, compelling performances, and Vidor's masterful direction. It remains highly regarded for its historical significance and emotional impact.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its groundbreaking realism in depicting trench warfare.
Lauded for the powerful and empathetic performance of John Gilbert.
Celebrated as a significant artistic achievement in early cinema, balancing spectacle with genuine emotion.
Google audience: Audience reception for 'The Big Parade' is overwhelmingly positive, with viewers frequently highlighting its historical accuracy, emotional depth, and the captivating performances, particularly that of John Gilbert. It is often cited as a must-watch silent film.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director (King Vidor) at the 1st Academy Awards. Considered one of the AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies. Won the Photoplay Magazine Gold Medal for Best Picture.
Fun Fact
During the filming of a battlefield scene, actor John Gilbert genuinely broke down in tears from the emotional intensity of the sequence, a moment that director King Vidor kept in the final cut.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources