Photo Credit (Freepik)

Golden years of Hollywood abound with cinematic classics that have endured over time. But tucked inside this remarkable period are films that, despite their genius, have disappeared. These hidden treasures provide a special window into the artistic and narrative skill of early filmmakers. Here we uncover some of Old Hollywood’s best-kept secrets: must-see lost films deserving of a comeback.

1. “The Unknown” (1927) Stories Obsession and Sacrifice Under Tod Browning’s direction, “The Unknown” is a silent horror picture featuring the unmatched skill of Lon Chaney, sometimes known as the “Man of a Thousand Faces.” Chaney plays Alonzo the Armless, a knife thrower circus performer using his feet. Actually, Alonzo is a fugitive covering his arms to cover a unique double thumb. Driven to extreme actions by his intense love for his assistant, Nanon (young Joan Crawford), who suffers a horror of men’s hugs, Alonzo believes he will win Nanon’s love by having a horrific amputation of his arms. The movie explores the issues of unmet love, identity, and the extent one might go for passion. Still a monument to Browning and Chaney’s cooperative brilliance, “The Unknown” is highly praised for its dramatic performances and sinister story.
2. “London After Midnight” (1927) The Lost Vampire Mystery Often recognised as one of the most sought-after lost silent era pictures, “London After Midnight” is another project between Tod Browning and Lon Chaney. Though the movie itself was lost in a 1965 MGM vault fire, Chaney’s performance of the creepy, sharp-toothed character known as the “Man in the Beaver Hat” has become legendary. Combining elements of horror and detective fiction, the narrative centres on a Scotland Yard inspector who uses hypnosis and disguising to investigate a mysterious death. Turner Classic Movies assembled a thorough photo reconstruction in 2002, allowing contemporary viewers to enjoy its eerie images and creative narrative even as the original movie is lost. Gloria Swanson’s Meta-Masterpiece, “Sunset Boulevard” (1950) Though not totally forgotten, “Sunset Boulevard” presents a meta-cinematic experience combining fiction with the actual story of its actress, Gloria Swanson. Reflecting Swanson’s own career path, Swanson plays Norma Desmond, a faded silent cinema actress desiring a return. The movie offers a moving analysis on Hollywood’s move from silent pictures to talkies as well as the sometimes brutal nature of the business. Capturing the desperation and illusion of a celebrity beyond her prime, Swanson’s performance is both eerie and hypnotic. With its publication, Swanson’s career underwent a major turning point and her depth and adaptability as an actress were evident.
3. “Freaks” (1932): An Expanding Study of Humanity The bold and provocative “Freaks” by Tod Browning questioned society’s expectations and viewpoints. Filmed within a circus, the real-life sideshow artists tell a story that blurs the lines between the horrible and the humane. “Freaks” was prohibited in many nations and met strong opposition upon its publication, which helped to obscure it. Critics and viewers of today, however, have reassessed the movie as they appreciate its audacious narrative and sympathetic treatment of its characters.
4. “The Wind” (1928: Silent Era Psychological Drama) Starring Lillian Gish, “The Wind” is a silent film exploring the psychological conflict of a woman stranded in the barren Texas plains. Under Victor Sjöström’s direction, the film deftly symbolises the protagonist’s inner conflicts using natural surroundings. Though first received with mixed opinions, “The Wind” has been reevaluated as a silent film masterpiece with Gish’s gripping performance and Sjöström’s evocative direction.
5. “The Passion of Joan of Arc” (1928) Examining Expression Under Carl Theodor Dreyer’s direction, this silent film is known for its simple set design and Maria Falconetti’s passionate, expressive Joan performance. Using close-ups to catch the real feeling and spirituality of Joan’s experience, the film centres on her trial and death. Though it is still less-known among mainstream viewers, it is today regarded as one of the best films ever produced and first received mixed opinions.
6. “Pandora’s Box” (1929): Femme Fatale Story G.W. Pabst’s “Pandora’s Box” stars Louise Brooks as Lulu, a seductive dancer whose unbridled lifestyle brings about her ruin. The movie stands out for its progressive attitude to sexuality and its criticism of society’s hypocrisy. Brooks captures the carefree but sad core of Lulu in an amazing performance. Though once controversial and received mixed reviews, “Pandora’s Box” has been rediscovered and praised for its audacious story and artistic inventiveness.
7. “The Crowd” (1928): Examining Common Life The moving portrait of the life of an ordinary man aiming for success in a busy city provided by King Vidor’s “The wd.” Apart from other films of its time, the film’s realistic depiction of daily hardships and creative application of location filming distinguishes it. Although it was highly praised, its relative obscurity resulted from its poor commercial success. Its ahead-of-its-time narrative and cinematic methods nowadays are much valued.
8. “The Last Laugh” (1924: a silent film without of intertitles). Under the direction of F.W. Murnau, “The Last Laugh” is outstanding for narrating its tale without resorting to intertitles—a daring action in silent film. Examining issues of dignity and social perspective, the movie tracks an ageing hotel doorman relegated to a lavatory attendant.