28 Films from the 1930 Oscars
28 titles
- 1
Sal of SingaporeMovie · 1928 · 70mSAL OF SINGAPORE received an Academy Award nomination for Best Writing in its second year. As one of the earliest talkie films, it was almost lost to time. A preservation print is held at UCLA, but it is currently unavailable for public viewing while it undergoes restoration.IMDb 5.1TMDB 5.0 - 2
SkyscraperMovie · 1928 · 68mBlondy and Swede are rough-and-tumble best friends who work as skyscraper builders. Blondy develops feelings for Sally after rescuing her from a falling beam, but pushes her away when he's injured in an accident and temporarily loses the ability to walk. Desperate to help his friend, Swede tries anything to motivate Blondy to recover, even staging elaborate schemes to get him moving again.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.6 - 3
The BarkerMovie · 1928 · 80mA seasoned carnival barker's life is disrupted by his son's unexpected arrival – a son he'd hoped would avoid the carnival lifestyle. The son becomes involved with a showgirl, while the barker himself grapples with the presence of his jealous mistress.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.0 - 4
CoquetteMovie · 1929 · 76mA woman from a privileged Southern family begins a romantic relationship with a working-class man, and their connection ultimately results in a devastating tragedy.IMDb 5.4TMDB 5.7 - 5
The LeatherneckMovie · 1929 · 65mThis film tells the story of a close friendship forged between two American Marines and a naive German soldier in the aftermath of World War I. The Americans successfully persuade the German to join their ranks. Years later, while serving as peacetime officers, their bond is tested when a manipulative man steals one of their friends' love interest. Determined to rescue her, the three men embark on a mission. When they disappear, the remaining friend launches his own rescue attempt, leading to a flashback recounting the events leading up to their departure, all presented during a court-martial trial for desertion.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.3 - 6
The CopMovie · 1928 · 77mPete Smith, a harbor lift bridge operator, experiences loneliness in his isolated cabin, with the occasional visit from police officer Sgt. Coughlin. One night, following the sound of gunfire, Smith shelters a wounded man, Marcas, hiding him from Coughlin. Before departing, Marcas promises to repay the kindness, including returning the coat Smith lends him. Later, when Smith joins the police force, his chief, Mather, suspects he's protecting Marcas, who is secretly a gangster. Marcas sends a woman, Mary Monks, with a lavish coat for Smith. Pete and Mary form a connection, and she ultimately betrays Marcas. He is later killed by the police after attempting to prevent his gang from harming Smith. Mary disappears into the night, and Mather conceals evidence of her presence when he learns of Smith's protection of her.IMDb 5.8TMDB 6.0 - 7
The LetterMovie · 1929 · 65mThe wife of a plantation owner stands accused of shooting a man during an alleged attack. However, a handwritten letter surfaces, suggesting a different story altogether.IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.5 - 8
Wonder of WomenMovie · 1929 · 95mA German concert pianist's passionate nature leads him to repeatedly betray his loving wife. This film is thought to no longer exist.IMDb 5.4TMDB 3.0 - 9
ThunderboltMovie · 1929 · 91mThunderbolt, a notorious criminal, is imprisoned and awaiting execution. A framed innocent man, Bob Moran, is placed in his cell. Unaware of Thunderbolt's connection to the woman he loves, Moran develops feelings for her. Thunderbolt desperately hopes to delay his own execution long enough to kill Moran for pursuing his love.IMDb 6.4TMDB 5.6 - 10
A Woman of AffairsMovie · 1928 · 91mDiana, Neville, and David have been friends since childhood, but their adult lives become complicated by a love triangle. Diana and Neville have always been drawn to each other, but her father opposes their relationship, leading to her marriage to David. Soon after the wedding, tragedy occurs, and Diana begins to struggle. When Neville returns, he offers a chance to pull her back from despair.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.4 - 11
DynamiteMovie · 1929 · 129mCynthia, wealthy and in love with Roger, who is married to Marcia, navigates a modern arrangement with the couple. Marcia is willing to divorce Roger if Cynthia provides a financial settlement. However, Cynthia's inheritance is tied to her marrying within a deadline, so she arranges to marry Hagon Derk, wrongly convicted and facing execution, to support his sister. At the last moment, Derk is freed when the real criminal is found. Anticipating a life as a wealthy widow, Cynthia finds herself married to a stranger she doesn't care for.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.4 - 12
The Bridge of San Luis ReyMovie · 1929 · 87mThis early film adaptation of the classic novel is a partial talkie, though only a silent version remains (preserved at the George Eastman House in Rochester, NY). It presents a straightforward story of a group of strangers whose lives become intertwined as they face a fatal bridge collapse. The art direction is basic, yet surprisingly it won an Oscar, beating out the more impressive work in "The Iron Mask." The special effect depicting the lovers falling with the bridge into the abyss is particularly memorable and effectively executed.IMDb 6.6TMDB 7.3 - 13
The Last of Mrs. CheyneyMovie · 1929 · 94mAt a grand charity event hosted by Mrs. Cheyney, the enigmatic Fay attracts the attention of wealthy Lord Elton and the charming playboy Lord Arthur Dilling. Later, at Mrs. Webley's house, Fay once again becomes the focus of their interest, particularly as she seems drawn to the older, established Lord Elton. Observing Fay's butler, Charles, in the gardens, Arthur recalls Charles' past as a thief. Suspecting Fay's intentions, Arthur realizes she may be after Mrs. Webley's pearls – and she is. After taking the pearls but before discarding them, Fay is caught by Arthur, who is disheartened by the unfolding events.IMDb 6.0TMDB 5.7 - 14
In Old ArizonaMovie · 1928 · 95mArmy Sergeant Mickey Dunn pursues the legendary Cisco Kid, a charming outlaw known for his generosity. The Kid's sweetheart, Tonia, is secretly having an affair. When her lover is away, Tonia is tempted by Dunn's offer of a large reward for the Kid's capture – dead or alive. She joins forces with Dunn, and they plot to ambush and eliminate the Cisco Kid.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.4 - 15
The PatriotMovie · 1928 · 113mIn 18th-century Russia, Czar Paul is plagued by assassination attempts and relies solely on Count Pahlen. Pahlen wants to safeguard his friend, the increasingly unstable king, but burdened by the severity of the czar's actions, he believes removing him from power is the only solution.TMDB 5.0 - 16
AlibiMovie · 1929 · 91mNewly released from prison, Prohibition-era gangster Chick Williams quickly re-enters his criminal world. When a police officer is killed during a robbery, he becomes the prime suspect. Chick had taken the officer's daughter, Joan, to a theater, leaving her during intermission to commit the crime and then using her to create an alibi. The detective squad uses increasingly ruthless methods, including planting an undercover agent within the gang, to try and prove his guilt.IMDb 5.6TMDB 6.0 - 17
The Divine LadyMovie · 1928 · 99mThe passionate relationship between Lady Hamilton and Admiral Horatio Nelson creates a scandal that shakes the foundations of the British Empire.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.2 - 18
The AwakeningMovie · 1928 · 90mMarie Ducrot, a young woman from rural France, is ostracized after being seduced by a German soldier. Seeking solace, she becomes a nurse, joining the "sisters in white" working in the field hospitals during World War I. *The Awakening* was nominated for an Academy Award for its art direction in the first year of sound films. Sadly, very few films from this period survive, and no copies or negatives of *The Awakening* are currently known to exist. William Cameron Menzies was nominated for his work on the film, his third nomination after winning twice the previous year.IMDb 5.2TMDB 5.0 - 19
Madame XMovie · 1929 · 95mA young mother and wife is abandoned by her husband, the French Attorney General, who refuses to let her see their three-year-old son, despite her pleas for forgiveness. For years, she flees to other countries and seeks solace in absinthe. Eventually, her son, now a lawyer, unknowingly defends her in court. Ruth Chatterton delivers a remarkable performance as Madame X in this early sound film.IMDb 5.5TMDB 6.1 - 20
Street AngelMovie · 1928 · 102m · Drama, RomanceAgainst the colorful, ever-changing setting of a traveling carnival, a determined young woman struggles with poverty and homelessness. She finds a place among the carnival's diverse performers and meets a carefree painter who travels with only his art supplies. Their lives become connected, revealing a story of strength and finding oneself in a world of impermanence. This moving story explores human connection within the chaos, focusing on adapting and surviving difficult circumstances.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0 - 21
4 DevilsMovie · 1928 · 100mFour orphaned children are raised by an elderly clown and eventually become the stars of a circus high-wire act. This is a lost film.TMDB 7.0 - 22
White Shadows in the South SeasMovie · 1928 · 88mA doctor battling alcoholism is deeply disturbed by the way white people are taking advantage of the island's inhabitants. He's then shipwrecked and finds himself stranded on a stunningly beautiful, untouched island.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.6 - 23
DragMovie · 1929 · 85mDavid Carroll becomes the new editor of a Vermont newspaper. He's drawn to Dot, a sophisticated local woman, but he marries Allie Parker, the daughter of the boardinghouse owners where he lives. Allie stays behind while David travels to New York City to promote his new musical. In New York, Dot, now a successful costume designer, uses her connections to help get his play produced. David and Dot begin a relationship, but she departs for Paris when he says he'll stay with Allie. He brings Allie to New York, but when she arrives with her family, he decides to follow Dot to Paris.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.0 - 24
The Broadway MelodyMovie · 1929 · 101m · Music, Romance, DramaHarriet and Queenie Mahoney, vaudeville performers, get their big break joining their friend Eddie Kerns on Broadway in a production by Francis Zanfield. Their lives become entangled with New York's upper class, and Queenie finds herself pursued by two very different men: Eddie, who has loved her for years, and Jock Warriner, a wealthy socialite. The film gently examines love, social standing, and finding oneself as Queenie tries to choose between these contrasting suitors and discover where she truly belongs.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.2 - 25
Weary RiverMovie · 1929 · 86mA gangster is imprisoned, where he discovers a path to redemption through music. After his release, he struggles to find success, facing constant temptations.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.7 - 26
The ValiantMovie · 1929 · 66mA man facing execution desperately tries to persuade two women that he is not their son and brother, urging them to move forward with their lives.IMDb 6.0TMDB 6.0 - 27
Our Dancing DaughtersMovie · 1928 · 84mTwo women compete for a millionaire's affection: one presents herself as a naive young woman, while the other hides her true intentions beneath a flapper's charm.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.2 - 28
The Hollywood Revue of 1929Movie · 1929 · 118mThis film showcases a collection of actors from the MGM studio's roster of stars.IMDb 5.6TMDB 5.6
