Postcard History

Was it October 14, 1888, or December 28, 1895? It’s your choice because historians disagree on when and where the first motion picture was presented to an audience. Notwithstanding the arguments about what, when, and where, there is some consent among film scholars as to Who were the best silent film performers? They were Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Mary Pickford, Harold Lloyd, Rudolph Valentino, Lillian Gish and Clara Bow.

[I can almost hear someone saying, “Who gives Nancy the right to make this judgement?” My answer is two-fold: one, I’m writing this article, and two, these seven people are the most represented in my collection of postcards featuring silent-film personalities.]

Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin Jr. (4/16/1889 – 12/25/1977) was an English comic actor, filmmaker, and composer who became one of cinema’s most influential figures by perfecting silent film with his blend of comedy, pathos, and social insight. His iconic Tramp character—gentle, resilient, and mischievous—captured the struggles and hopes of ordinary people. Films like The Kid, City Lights, and Modern Times showcased Chaplin’s mastery of visual storytelling, combining humor with heartfelt emotion and sharp commentary on modern life. As a writer, director, actor, and composer, he shaped the language of film. Chaplin’s legacy endures as a testament to creativity, empathy, and timeless cinematic artistry.

Joseph Frank “Buster” Keaton (10/4/1895 – 2/1/1966) was a silent‑film comedian who revolutionized screen comedy with his deadpan expression and astonishing gift of physical artistry. Known as “The Great Stone Face,” he entertained his audience with films featuring inventive stunts and visual storytelling. His films still feel daring and modern, especially ones like The General and Sherlock Jr. which showcase his genius for turning chaos into elegance. Keaton’s influence endures, shaping generations of filmmakers who admire his creativity, resilience, and unmatched cinematic imagination.

Gladys Louise Smith (4/8/1892 – 5/29/1979), known professionally as Mary Pickford was a Canadian American film actress who was often called “America’s Sweetheart,” or the “First Queen of the Movies. She was a pioneering force in early cinema whose influence shaped Hollywood’s foundations. She was the first actress to negotiate a million-dollar contract and was first known for her roles on stage and later as a film star. Pickford wasn’t just a performer; she was a savvy businesswoman who co‑founded United Artists and helped establish the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Her commitment to creative control and artistic integrity set new standards for actors. Pickford’s legacy endures as a symbol of innovation, independence, and the transformative power of film.

Harold Clayton Lloyd Sr. (4/20/1893 – 3/8/1971) was an American actor and comedian. He was famous for his glasses and daredevil stunts. As one of silent cinema’s most inventive comedians, he helped define the energetic spirit of early Hollywood. Known for his optimistic everyman persona, he blended daring physical comedy with relatable charm. Lloyd’s films, including Safety Last! with its iconic clock‑tower stunt, showcased his fearless athleticism and meticulous timing. Beyond spectacle, he crafted stories driven by determination and good‑natured humor. His influence shaped generations of filmmakers who admired his blend of realism, wit, and ambition, securing his legacy as a cornerstone of classic film comedy.

Rodolfo Pietro Filiberto Raffaello Guglielmi di Valentina d’Antonguella (5/6/1895 – August 23, 1926), known professionally as Rudolph Valentino and nicknamed “The Latin Lover,” was an Italian actor in the silent film era. He became one of Hollywood’s first true international heartthrobs. His magnetic screen presence, expressive acting, and graceful physicality captivated audiences who had never seen a star quite like him. Films such as The Sheik cemented his status as a cultural phenomenon, shaping ideals of romance and exoticism in early film. Valentino’s sudden death at 31 sparked unprecedented public mourning, underscoring his immense impact. His legacy endures as a symbol of charisma, mystery, and the power of early stardom.

Lillian Diana Gish (10/14/ 1893 – 2/27/1993) was an American actress best known for her work in movies of the silent era. Her acting career spanned 75 years. She was often hailed as the “First Lady of American Cinema,” because she formulated the artistic language of early film through her expressive performances. Beginning her career in silent movies under D.W. Griffith, likely except for Hitchcock, the most famous director ever, she brought depth and realism to roles in films like The Birth of a Nation and Broken Blossoms. Gish’s dedication to her craft, including a willingness to endure harsh conditions for authenticity, set new standards for screen acting.

Clara Gordon Bow (7/29/1905 – 9/27/1965) was an American actress who rose to stardom during the 1920s and successfully made the transition to “talkies” in 1929. Her appearance as a plucky shopgirl in the film It brought her global fame as well as a forever nickname “The It Girl.” Clara embodied raw charisma and emotional honesty. Her performances electrified audiences, bridging vulnerability and boldness. Rising from hardship, she reshaped Hollywood’s idea of stardom, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire performers – even today. One astonishing fact of Bow’s is the amount of mail she received. It is a known fact that at the peak of her career she received more than 45,000 fan letters in January 1929.

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To make this list a “Perfect Ten,” let’s add …

Leonidas Frank “Lon” Chaney (4/1/1883 – 8/26/1930) was an American actor and makeup artist. He was a versatile and powerful actor, renowned for his characterizations of tortured, often grotesque characters like the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Hunchback was made in 1923. Chaney also performed the title role in The Phantom of the Opera in 1925.

Greta Lovisa Gustafsson (9/18/1905 – 4/15/1990) was a Swedish American actress known as Greta Garbo. Garbo’s life was one of strange contradictions. She was often quoted as saying, “I want to be alone” but claimed that “I never said [that], I said, “I want to be let alone! There is all the difference. She also once said, “I am bewildered by the thousands of strange people who write me letters. They do not know me. Why do they do that?

Douglas Elton Thomas Ullman (5/23/1883 – 12/3/1939)was an American actor and filmmaker best known as Douglas Elton Fairbanks Sr. He was the first actor to play the masked vigilante, Zorro!

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The work done by the ten people on this list represents millions of dollars and many hours of hard work and talent spent on entertaining America and the world.

They deserve a well performed “salute” and a very loud “bravo.”