Silent movie actress Dolores Costello in 1928
During the early 20th century, going to the movies became the preferred cultural activity for millions of working-class people. Before the technology for synchronized recorded sound was invented in the late 1920s, silent film reigned supreme and attracted viewers. One of the era’s most famous actresses was Dolores Costello.
She is pictured here wearing her Ziegfeld girl costume in 1928. She was not only successful on the silver screen but also appeared in the famous Broadway revue Ziegfeld Follies. Generations later, her granddaughter, Drew Barrymore, would also make a name for herself in the film business.