American Cinema in 1921

Charlie Chaplin and Jackie Coogan in The Kid (1921)

The Federal Trade Commission launches an anti-trust suit against Famous Players-Lasky.

Hollywood is rocked by a series of scandals involving popular stars suchas Roscoe Arbuckle and Olive Thomas.

Charlie Chaplin releases The Kid, his debut feature.

Key films

Popular comedian and director known as “Fatty,” and an early screen star.

Worldwide silent-film star, director and creator of the enduring Little Tramp.

Influential director and producer whose spectacles helped define Hollywood feature filmmaking.

Swashbuckling silent-screen star, producer and co-founder of United Artists.

Major silent-screen actress celebrated for her work with D. W. Griffith and later filmmakers.

Pioneering director whose narrative techniques shaped early feature filmmaking, amid a contested legacy.

Innovative silent-film comedian, actor and director celebrated for precise visual comedy.

“America’s Sweetheart,” a leading silent star, producer and co-founder of United Artists.