Events in Film & TV
- Jan 11 Louis B. Mayer head of film studio MGM announces creation of Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
- May 18 Grauman's Chinese Theater opens in Hollywood, California
- Aug 12 "Wings", one of only two silent films - the other being The Artist in 2011 - to win an Oscar for best picture, opens starring Clara Bow (Outstanding Picture 1929)
- Oct 6 "The Jazz Singer", directed by Alan Crosland, starring Al Jolson and May McAvoy, released, 1st film with a soundtrack (Honorary Academy Award 1928)
- Oct 8 "The Second Hundred Years" silent short film released starring Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy - 1st Laurel and Hardy film with them appearing as a team
- More Events in Film & TV
Sidney Poitier
Gabriel García Márquez
Neil Simon
Janet Leigh
Roger Moore
George C. ScottWeddings in Film & TV
- May 30 Academy Award-winning actor Fredric March (29) marries actress Florence Eldridge
Divorces in Film & TV
- Aug 22 Actor Charlie Chaplin divorces his 2nd wife Lita Grey after 3 years of marriage in the largest divorce settlement at the time (US$600,000, plus trusts for children)
Actors and Actresses Who Died in 1927
- Jun 14 Johanna Barbiers, Dutch actress (Voddenraper of Paris), dies at 79
- Jul 9 John Drew Jr., American Shakespearean actor (The Big Bonanza), dies at 73
- Sep 20 George Nichols, American director and actor (His Favorite Pastime, Star Boarder), dies at 62 or 63
- Nov 1 Florence Mills [Winfrey], American cabaret singer, dancer and comedian, known as 'the Queen of Happiness', dies of tuberculosis at 31
1927 in Film & TV Pictures
Millions Come Up to See Mae West
Mae West, jailed on this day for obscenity, became one of the most successful sex symbols. Fans could not resist the offer: ‘Come up and see me some time.’April 19Jazz Singer Sounds Death Knell for Silent Movies
The Jazz Singer was premiered on this day and audiences were thrilled to hear Al Jolson talking. The pioneer film spelled the end for the silent-movie industry.October 6
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