65. Which of the following is a pair of well-known silent movies?
Answer: E
The Birth of a Nation and The Gold Rush
This pair includes two of the most significant silent films in cinema history. "The Birth of a Nation," released in 1915, is known for its controversial subject matter and groundbreaking techniques, while "The Gold Rush," released in 1925, showcases Charlie Chaplin's iconic character, the Tramp.
A) It's a Wonderful Life and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Both of these films are well-known, but they are not silent movies. "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) and "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" (1939) were produced during the sound era and feature synchronized dialogue and soundtracks, which disqualifies them from being considered silent films.
B) Mildred Pierce and The Postman Always Rings Twice
Similar to Option A, both films are not silent movies. "Mildred Pierce" (1945) and "The Postman Always Rings Twice" (1946) are classic films that utilize sound and music extensively, thus not fitting the silent film category.
C) Duck Soup and A Day at the Races
While both films are comedic classics featuring the Marx Brothers, they were produced in the early 20th century with sound. "Duck Soup" (1933) and "A Day at the Races" (1937) are known for their witty dialogue and musical numbers, which makes them ineligible as silent films.
D) An American in Paris and Gigi
Both films are celebrated musicals that were made in the 1950s and prominently feature sound and music. "An American in Paris" (1951) and "Gigi" (1958) are part of the musical genre and do not belong to the silent film era.
E) The Birth of a Nation and The Gold Rush
This option correctly identifies two significant silent films. "The Birth of a Nation" is a landmark film in American cinema that is often discussed for its technical advances as well as its controversial narrative. "The Gold Rush," on the other hand, is a beloved comedy that highlights Charlie Chaplin's genius in silent film artistry.
Conclusion
The correct answer, "The Birth of a Nation and The Gold Rush," definitively represents well-known silent movies, highlighting the historical significance of both films. In contrast, all other options consist of films produced with sound elements, making them unsuitable as examples of silent cinema. Thus, Option E stands out as the only accurate choice regarding the question posed.