History's Best Selling Products of 1920

Hats off to 1920! Few items commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as Why Change Your Wife?. Alongside sensationally popular hits like Passion and Way Down East, consumers eagerly embraced the swell Yankee ingenuity and home-front craftsmanship. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like Cecil B. DeMille and Ernst Lubitsch set the standard for quality, producing celebrated items that swept main street from coast to coast as genuine top-flight hits. Browse our definitive retrospective below to rediscover the genuine articles of the era.

1. Why Change Your Wife?

   Released in 1920 by Cecil B. DeMille, Paramount Pictures

   The film "Why Change Your Wife?", a scintillating comedy-drama by the master of spectacle, Cecil B. DeMille, captivated audiences upon its release on April 18, 1920. This date marked the wide theatrical debut of a movie that would not only become a substantial commercial hit, raking in over $1 million at the box office, but also solidify DeMille’s reputation for crafting sophisticated, yet accessible, tales of marital strife and social commentary. Its premiere was a significant cultural event, establishing a template for domestic dramas that explored the evolving roles and expectations within marriage in early 20th-century America.

2. Passion (Madame Dubarry)

   Released in 1920 by Ernst Lubitsch, First National Exhibitors' Circuit

   Passion (Madame Dubarry), originally released in Germany as 'Madame DuBarry' in 1919, burst onto American screens on May 12, 1920, marking a pivotal moment in cinema history. This specific date signifies its highly anticipated North American theatrical premiere, where it quickly shattered box office records and proved that German cinema could captivate international audiences, even in the politically charged aftermath of World War I. The film's immense commercial success, especially its estimated $1,000,000 box office revenue, was unprecedented for a foreign production of its era and firmly established director Ernst Lubitsch as a visionary talent on the global stage. Its launch was a testament to the universal appeal of compelling storytelling and lavish historical spectacle, overcoming prevailing anti-German sentiments to become a cultural phenomenon and a turning point for Hollywood's openness to European artistry.

3. Way Down East

   Released in 1920 by D. W. Griffith, United Artists

   The premiere of D. W. Griffith's 'Way Down East' on September 3, 1920, marked a significant moment in cinema history. This silent melodrama, starring the iconic Lillian Gish, captivated audiences with its thrilling narrative and groundbreaking technical feats. It quickly became one of the highest-grossing films of the silent era, solidifying Griffith's reputation as a master storyteller and Gish's as a formidable actress. The film's ambitious production, particularly its famous ice floe sequence, pushed the boundaries of filmmaking, making its debut a celebrated event that showcased the immense potential of the burgeoning art form and its ability to draw massive crowds. This date launched a cinematic landmark that remains influential today.

4. The Age of Innocence

   Released in 1920 by Edith Wharton, D. Appleton & Company

   The Age of Innocence, published in 1920, stands as a monumental work in American literature, primarily for its incisive portrayal of late 19th-century New York aristocracy and its subsequent recognition with the Pulitzer Prize in 1922, making Edith Wharton the first woman to win the award. Released in the immediate aftermath of World War I, the novel provided a powerful contrast between the seemingly ordered yet profoundly restrictive Gilded Age society it depicted and the rapidly changing, disorienting world of the 1920s. This historical distance allowed Wharton to reflect with a unique blend of nostalgia and critical insight on the social codes and moral dilemmas that defined an earlier era, captivating readers by inviting them to ponder the costs of adherence to tradition versus personal desire.

5. Something to Think About

   Released in 1920 by Cecil B. DeMille, Paramount Pictures

   The premiere of Cecil B. DeMille's "Something to Think About" on November 7, 1920, marked a significant moment in early Hollywood cinema, further cementing the powerful collaboration between the legendary director and his muse, Gloria Swanson. This drama, released by Paramount Pictures, quickly captivated audiences with its poignant story and DeMille's distinctive visual flair. While comprehensive box office records from the silent era are scarce, the film garnered an estimated $915,848 at the box office, a substantial sum for its time, underscoring its commercial success and its pivotal role in the studio's offerings for the year. This release date signifies not just a film's debut, but a continued exploration of moral themes and melodrama that would become DeMille's enduring legacy.

6. The Mark of Zorro

   Released in 1920 by Fred Niblo, United Artists

   The world first thrilled to the legendary masked hero Zorro with the premiere of 'The Mark of Zorro' on December 5, 1920. This landmark silent film, starring the unparalleled Douglas Fairbanks, wasn't just a cinematic event; it was a phenomenon that redefined the action-adventure genre and solidified Fairbanks' status as Hollywood's premier swashbuckler. Its record-breaking box office success cemented its place in film history, captivating audiences with its blend of romance, daring heroics, and thrilling swordplay. The film's debut heralded the birth of an enduring pop culture icon and a cinematic blueprint for countless heroes to follow, making this date a pivotal moment in movie lore.

7. Wide-leg trousers

   Released in 1920 by Multiple Designers and Brands

   Wide-leg trousers emerged as a powerful statement piece in the early 20th century, particularly for women, challenging the restrictive silhouettes of previous eras. First gaining significant traction in the 1920s as "beach pyjamas" and later adopted by daring fashionistas, this design quickly signaled a shift towards comfort and liberation in women's attire. Its immediate appeal lay in its unprecedented freedom of movement and a relaxed elegance that stood in stark contrast to the corseted styles and full skirts that dominated fashion for centuries. This foundational appeal allowed wide-leg trousers to secure their place as a recurring and beloved element of global fashion, setting the stage for numerous resurgences across the decades.

8. Beaded Evening Bag

   Released in 1920 by Various Artisans and Manufacturers, N/A

   The Beaded Evening Bag, while possessing a history stretching back centuries, truly captivated the fashion world and surged in popularity during the opulent 1920s, becoming an indispensable accessory for the era's sophisticated woman. This wasn't merely a bag for carrying essentials; it was a dazzling statement piece, a jewel-like adornment that perfectly complemented the flapper dresses and sleek silhouettes of the Jazz Age. Its immediate success lay in its ability to marry artisanal craftsmanship with the burgeoning desire for glamour and individuality, making every evening outing an occasion for exquisite display and personal expression, solidifying its place as a style icon.

9. Sweater vest

   Released in 1920 by

   The sweater vest, a seemingly simple sleeveless knit, emerged in the early 20th century, quickly establishing itself as a remarkably versatile and enduring fashion piece. Initially favored for its practical benefits in sports and academic environments, it provided warmth without hindering arm movement, offering a comfortable alternative to full sweaters. Its unassuming elegance and ability to effortlessly complement various ensembles contributed to its swift and widespread adoption. From golf courses to university campuses, the sweater vest became synonymous with a relaxed yet refined aesthetic, cementing its place in popular culture and fashion history for decades to come.

10. Flapper Dress

    Released in 1920 by Popular Culture, Various influential designers

    The Flapper style burst onto the scene in the early 1920s, rapidly becoming the defining aesthetic of the "Roaring Twenties." More than just a fashion trend, it was a cultural revolution, symbolizing a newfound freedom and defiance among young Western women post-World War I. Its immediate popularity wasn't merely about clothing; it represented a radical departure from Victorian norms, with women shedding corsets, bobbing their hair, and embracing a lifestyle of jazz, dancing, and social liberation. The commercial success was immense, as fashion houses, accessory makers, and even cosmetic companies quickly adapted to the demands of this rebellious new consumer base, making the flapper look a global phenomenon and a commercial goldmine for an entire decade.

11. Harriet and the Piper

    Released in 1920 by Kathleen Norris, Doubleday, Page & Company

    In 1920, amidst the economic prosperity and social shifts of the Roaring Twenties, Kathleen Norris solidified her reputation as a dominant voice in American popular fiction with 'Harriet and the Piper'. This novel captivated readers upon its release, quickly ascending to the Publishers Weekly national bestseller list for the year. Its success wasn't merely commercial; it tapped into the collective consciousness of a nation grappling with traditional values and emerging modern ideals, offering a narrative that resonated deeply with a broad readership eager for engaging stories of romance, social aspiration, and moral dilemmas.

12. Kindred of the Dust

    Released in 1920 by Peter B. Kyne, Cosmopolitan Book Corporation

    Released in 1920, Peter B. Kyne's 'Kindred of the Dust' immediately captivated American readers, soaring to the #2 spot on Publishers Weekly's national bestseller list. In a post-World War I era yearning for stories of resilience, romance, and moral triumph, this novel struck a chord with its compelling narrative set against the rugged backdrop of the Pacific Northwest. It wasn't merely a book; it was a cultural phenomenon, offering an escape into a world where true character battled societal judgment, cementing Kyne's reputation as a master storyteller of the common man and woman.

13. Main Street

    Released in 1920 by Sinclair Lewis, Harcourt, Brace and Company

    Published in 1920, Sinclair Lewis's "Main Street" burst onto the American literary scene as a scathing yet deeply insightful critique of the country's prevailing small-town ethos. Coming on the heels of World War I and amid rapid societal change, the novel articulated a growing disillusionment with traditional American values, particularly the perceived intellectual barrenness and suffocating conformity of rural communities. Its release was a pivotal cultural event, igniting widespread debate and forcing Americans to confront uncomfortable truths about their own towns and neighbors. The book's immediate and enduring impact established Lewis as a major voice, capturing the zeitgeist of a nation grappling with modernity and identity, while redefining the parameters of social commentary in fiction.

14. Pantsuit

    Released in 1920 by Chanel, Coco Chanel

    The pantsuit, a revolutionary ensemble that would redefine women's fashion, first emerged in the 1920s, spearheaded by visionary designers like Coco Chanel. Initially conceived as a practical and comfortable alternative to the restrictive dresses and skirts prevalent at the time, it immediately resonated with a growing desire for emancipation and functionality among women. While not an instant mainstream sensation, its introduction planted a crucial seed, challenging centuries of sartorial tradition and signaling a shift towards greater freedom in female attire. Its quiet debut laid the groundwork for a future where women could embrace tailored power dressing, marking a significant, albeit initially understated, cultural and commercial success that would blossom in later decades.

15. Plus fours

    Released in 1920 by Unknown, Unknown

    The roaring twenties ushered in an era of unprecedented social change and a relaxed approach to fashion, especially in sports and leisurewear. Amidst this sartorial revolution, 'Plus fours' emerged as a definitive style statement, capturing the imagination of sportsmen and trendsetters alike. These distinctive breeches, extending precisely four inches below the knee, quickly became synonymous with golf, hunting, and a refined, active lifestyle. Their immediate popularity was fueled by their innovative design, which offered unparalleled freedom of movement, and their adoption by high-profile figures, cementing their status as a must-have item for the fashionable gentleman seeking both comfort and panache on the greens and beyond.

16. Raggedy Andy

    Released in 1920 by P. F. Volland Company, Johnny Gruelle

    Raggedy Andy burst onto the American toy scene in 1920, introduced as the adventurous brother to the already popular Raggedy Ann. His debut was met with immediate affection, quickly cementing his place alongside his sister as an iconic character in children's literature and playrooms. Appearing in "Raggedy Andy Stories," Johnny Gruelle’s follow-up to the successful "Raggedy Ann Stories," Andy embodied a spirit of playful mischief and loyalty, instantly captivating young readers and doll enthusiasts alike. This character, with his distinctive blue sailor suit and red-and-white striped socks, wasn't just a toy; he was a cultural phenomenon, symbolizing wholesome values and imaginative adventures during a rapidly changing post-WWI era. His arrival completed a beloved duo, making the Raggedy family a staple in American homes for generations, fostering a sense of warmth and nostalgic charm.

17. T-bar sandal

    Released in 1920 by Various

    The T-bar sandal burst onto the fashion scene in the early 20th century, particularly finding its stride and immense popularity during the roaring 1920s. This elegant and practical footwear quickly became synonymous with the flapper era, offering a perfect blend of style, comfort, and security for the dynamic lifestyle of the modern woman. Its success lay in its unique design that not only complemented the fashionable shorter hemlines of the decade but also provided an essential grip for the era's popular dance crazes, making it an instant and enduring hit.

18. The Great Impersonation

    Released in 1920 by E. Phillips Oppenheim, Little, Brown and Company

    The Great Impersonation launched in 1920, immediately capturing the public's imagination as one of the year's top-selling novels. Penned by the master of spy fiction, E. Phillips Oppenheim, it tapped into the lingering anxieties and fascination with espionage in the immediate aftermath of World War I. Its gripping premise of mistaken identity and international intrigue offered readers a thrilling escape, solidifying Oppenheim's reputation and making the book a significant cultural touchstone of the early Roaring Twenties. Its immediate popularity underscored a public appetite for sophisticated thrillers that blurred the lines between identity and loyalty.

19. The Re-Creation of Brian Kent

    Released in 1920 by Harold Bell Wright, Book Supply Company

    In the bustling literary landscape of 1920, Harold Bell Wright's 'The Re-Creation of Brian Kent' emerged as an immediate and resounding success, captivating readers across America. Positioned as the third bestselling novel of the year by Publishers Weekly, its launch was a major cultural event, demonstrating Wright's unparalleled ability to tap into the public's yearning for moralistic tales of redemption. The novel wasn't just a book; it was a phenomenon, offering solace and inspiration in the post-World War I era, reflecting a widespread desire for spiritual renewal and the perceived purity of rural life.