History's Best Selling Products of 1928

1. The Circus

   Released in 1928 by Charles Chaplin, United Artists

   On January 6, 1928, Charles Chaplin's iconic silent comedy, 'The Circus,' premiered, marking another triumph for the legendary filmmaker. This pivotal date introduced audiences to one of the most remarkable and challenging productions of Chaplin's career, ultimately cementing his status as a cinematic genius. Despite facing numerous personal and professional obstacles during its making, the film quickly captivated viewers worldwide, grossing an impressive $3.8 million at the box office. Its launch was a testament to Chaplin's unwavering dedication to his craft, delivering a heartwarming blend of slapstick comedy and poignant storytelling that would endure for generations.

2. Four Sons

   Released in 1928 by Frank Borzage, Fox Film Corporation

   The launch of Frank Borzage's "Four Sons" on February 13, 1928, marked a significant moment in the silent film era, just on the cusp of the sound revolution. Premiering in New York City, this date introduced audiences to a poignant tale of family, war, and sacrifice that would resonate deeply, establishing itself as one of Fox Film Corporation's major successes for the year. The film quickly garnered critical acclaim and strong box office performance, underscoring its immediate impact and establishing it as a powerful cinematic experience. This premiere date was not just a release; it was the unveiling of a profound narrative that spoke to universal human emotions during a period of global change and reflection, solidifying Borzage's reputation as a master storyteller.

3. The Greene Murder Case

   Released in 1928 by S. S. Van Dine, Charles Scribner's Sons

   The Greene Murder Case burst onto the literary scene in 1928, solidifying S. S. Van Dine's position as a master of the detective genre and thrilling a nation hungry for intricate puzzles. As the fourth installment in the hugely popular Philo Vance series, its release was a highly anticipated event, instantly becoming one of the year's top-selling novels. In the opulent, jazz-infused backdrop of the Roaring Twenties, the book's blend of aristocratic sleuthing and a baffling domestic tragedy provided readers with an irresistible escape, making it a true cultural phenomenon that captured the era's fascination with wealth, crime, and intellectual challenge.

4. Street Angel

   Released in 1928 by Frank Borzage, Fox Film Corporation

   On April 6, 1928, a cinematic masterpiece graced screens, launching Street Angel to critical acclaim and impressive box office success during the twilight of the silent era. This premiere marked a significant moment for Fox Film Corporation and solidified the star power of its lead actress, Janet Gaynor. The film, a poignant romantic drama, captivated audiences with its tender narrative and breathtaking visuals, quickly becoming one of the year's most beloved productions. Its release highlighted the enduring artistic potential of silent cinema, even as the industry began its transition to sound, proving that compelling storytelling transcended the spoken word.

5. Ramona

   Released in 1928 by Edwin Carewe, United Artists

   The cinematic adaptation of 'Ramona' premiered on April 14, 1928, marking a significant moment in Hollywood history as one of the last major silent films released before the industry fully transitioned to sound. This poignant romantic drama, directed by Edwin Carewe and starring the legendary Dolores del Río, captivated audiences with its sweeping visuals and emotional depth. Its debut was not just another movie release; it was a grand event that showcased the pinnacle of silent filmmaking artistry, combined with early experimentation in color photography, making it a unique and memorable spectacle for its time. The film's premiere cemented its place as a visually ambitious and emotionally resonant work on the eve of a new cinematic era.

6. Yo-Yo

   Released in 1928 by Pedro Flores

   On June 9, 1928, the trajectory of a simple, ancient toy was forever changed. On this date, Pedro Flores, a Filipino immigrant living in California, establishes the Yo-yo Manufacturing Company. While spinners on a string had existed for millennia, Flores's design marked the birth of the yo-yo as a modern cultural phenomenon.

7. Lilac Time

   Released in 1928 by George Fitzmaurice, First National Pictures

   August 11, 1928, marked the highly anticipated world theatrical premiere of 'Lilac Time,' a poignant silent romantic drama that captivated audiences with its wartime romance and star-studded cast. This release date ushered in a significant commercial success for First National Pictures, establishing it as one of the year's top-grossing films. With its blend of emotional storytelling and the burgeoning star power of Colleen Moore and Gary Cooper, 'Lilac Time' wasn't just another movie; it was a cultural event that resonated deeply with the public, offering a bittersweet escape into a world of love, loss, and heroism against the backdrop of World War I. Its premiere set the stage for a strong box office performance, solidifying its place in the cinematic landscape of the late silent era.

8. The Red Dance

   Released in 1928 by Raoul Walsh, Fox Film Corporation

   The Red Dance, a captivating silent film directed by Raoul Walsh, made its grand theatrical premiere on August 19, 1928. This date marked the launch of a significant cinematic effort by Fox Film Corporation, arriving just as the film industry was on the cusp of the sound era. Despite the looming revolution of 'talkies,' The Red Dance proved to be a commercial success, reportedly grossing $1,300,000 at the box office. Its premiere introduced audiences to a dramatic romance set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Russian Revolution, solidifying its place as one of the notable achievements of late silent cinema and a testament to the enduring power of visual storytelling.

9. The Terror

   Released in 1928 by Michael Curtiz, Warner Bros.

   The first day of September 1928 marked a pivotal moment in cinematic history with the release of Warner Bros.' "The Terror." This groundbreaking film, directed by Michael Curtiz, wasn't just another horror mystery; it holds the distinction of being the first all-talkie horror film ever produced and commercially distributed. Its premiere on September 1, 1928, opened the floodgates for a new era of sound cinema, captivating audiences with its innovative use of dialogue and sound effects. Achieving an impressive box office gross of $1,221,000 domestically, "The Terror" solidified its place as an early commercial success and demonstrated the immense potential of synchronized sound, proving that audiences were eager for this revolutionary cinematic experience.

10. The Singing Fool

    Released in 1928 by Lloyd Bacon, Warner Bros.

    On September 19, 1928, the entertainment world witnessed a monumental shift with the premiere of 'The Singing Fool' at the Winter Garden Theatre. This film was not just a sequel to the groundbreaking 'The Jazz Singer' but a phenomenon that solidified Al Jolson's status as the world's greatest entertainer and cemented the 'talkie' revolution. Breaking box office records left and right, it became the highest-grossing film of its era, captivating audiences with its emotional story and the novelty of synchronized sound. This date marks the beginning of a new chapter in cinema, demonstrating the immense commercial power of sound films.

11. Joy Buzzer

    Released in 1928 by Soren Sorensen Adams

    On October 26, 1928, the world of mischievous fun was forever changed when inventor Soren Sorensen Adams filed U.S. Patent 1,845,735 for his 'new and useful improvements in handshaking devices.' This device was the Joy Buzzer, a pocket-sized prank poised to startle and delight generations. In the context of the Roaring Twenties, a decade of social exuberance and innovation, the Joy Buzzer was a perfect product of its time. It captured a spirit of playful rebellion in a simple, mechanical marvel. The filing of this patent on this specific date marked the official birth of a gag that would become a cultural touchstone, legally protecting the clever design before it buzzed its way into the hands of pranksters everywhere.

12. Noah's Ark

    Released in 1928 by Michael Curtiz, Warner Bros.

    On October 27, 1928, the cinematic epic 'Noah's Ark' made its grand debut, captivating audiences with its ambitious scale and groundbreaking special effects. This release date marked a pivotal moment in film history, showcasing Warner Bros.' commitment to big-budget productions and pioneering sound technology, even as the industry transitioned from silent to 'talkie' films. Directed by the visionary Michael Curtiz, the movie was an early example of a disaster film, intertwining a contemporary WWI narrative with the biblical tale. Despite its hefty budget and a notoriously difficult production, 'Noah's Ark' proved to be a significant box office success, solidifying its place as one of the most remarkable films of the late silent era and an early testament to Hollywood's spectacle-driven ambitions.

13. In Old Arizona

    Released in 1928 by Raoul Walsh, Irving Cummings, Fox Film Corporation

    On Christmas Day, December 25, 1928, Hollywood unveiled a cinematic marvel that would forever change the landscape of the Western genre and the nascent world of talking pictures. 'In Old Arizona' premiered, captivating audiences with its innovative use of sound, especially in an outdoor setting, a feat previously deemed near-impossible. This release date marked a pivotal moment, not just for Fox Film Corporation, but for the entire industry, demonstrating the commercial viability and artistic potential of synchronized dialogue. It swiftly became a box office success, grossing a remarkable $1.5 million worldwide against a modest budget, cementing its place as one of the early talkie trailblazers and earning Warner Baxter an Academy Award, making this Christmas premiere truly special.

14. Coming of Age in Samoa

    Released in 1928 by Margaret Mead, William Morrow and Company

    Published in 1928, "Coming of Age in Samoa" stands as a landmark work in anthropology, profoundly shaping public and academic discourse. This book was historically significant for directly confronting prevailing Western beliefs about the inherent turbulence of adolescence, arguing instead that cultural conditioning played a more decisive role than biological inevitability. Its release sparked widespread fascination and debate, offering a provocative comparison between the seemingly fraught transition to adulthood in American society and the comparatively smooth journey observed among Samoan girls. Mead's accessible writing style ensured its reach extended far beyond academic circles, making it a pivotal text in the burgeoning social sciences and a catalyst for re-evaluating cultural relativism and human nature.

15. Old Pybus

    Released in 1928 by Warwick Deeping, Alfred A. Knopf

    In 1928, the literary landscape was dotted with novels reflecting both the jazz age's exuberance and lingering post-war introspection. Amidst this, Warwick Deeping's 'Old Pybus' emerged as a heartwarming sensation, captivating readers across America and the UK. It swiftly ascended the bestseller charts, earning the prestigious spot of Publishers Weekly's #7 Bestselling Novel of 1928. This tale of an aging intellectual's journey to renewed purpose resonated deeply, offering a comforting narrative that many found both poignant and uplifting. Its success underscored a widespread desire for stories that championed human connection, resilience, and the enduring search for meaning, establishing it as a significant cultural phenomenon of its time.

16. Scarlet Sister Mary

    Released in 1928 by Julia Peterkin, Bobbs-Merrill Company

    Scarlet Sister Mary burst onto the American literary scene in 1928, quickly becoming both a sensation and a source of considerable controversy. Its immediate popularity culminated in the astonishing triumph of winning the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1930, an achievement that cemented its status as a major cultural phenomenon of its era. This tale of a free-spirited Gullah woman in the South Carolina Lowcountry captivated readers with its vibrant depiction of a unique rural community and its exploration of themes of love, sin, and spiritual freedom. The book’s unflinching portrayal of its protagonist’s unconventional life challenged societal norms and sparked widespread discussion, making it one of the most talked-about novels of the late 1920s and early 1930s, reflecting a societal fascination with exoticized "otherness" and naturalistic storytelling.

17. Perfecto motorcycle jacket

    Released in 1928 by Schott NYC, Irving Schott

    The Perfecto motorcycle jacket, first unveiled by Schott NYC in 1928, was an immediate game-changer for motorcyclists seeking robust protection and an unparalleled aesthetic. Designed by Irving Schott, this pioneering garment quickly became synonymous with the thrill of the open road, providing essential durability and warmth that traditional outerwear simply couldn't match. While initially a utilitarian piece of gear, its distinctive rugged appeal and functionality laid the groundwork for its swift transition from motorcycle accessory to a powerful symbol of independence and cool, foreshadowing its future as a global fashion icon, deeply entrenched in popular culture and style.

18. Wintersmoon

    Released in 1928 by Hugh Walpole, Macmillan

    Upon its release in 1928, Hugh Walpole's 'Wintersmoon' immediately captivated the English-speaking world, soaring to become one of the year's undisputed literary sensations. As a prolific and beloved author, Walpole already commanded a massive readership, and this new novel arrived with considerable anticipation. Its rapid ascent to the #2 spot on the Publishers Weekly bestseller list in the United States cemented its status as a major cultural phenomenon. 'Wintersmoon' offered readers an engaging escape into the lives of English gentry, perfectly blending social observation with compelling personal drama, making it an essential read during a period of significant societal change and burgeoning modernity.