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OPEN CLASSIC CINEMA · 977

Lights of New York

192857 minUnited States

Video edition: Wikimedia Commons
Original language: English
This copy runs: 56:48
Subtitles: No subtitle track in this language

Languages and subtitles

No subtitle track in this language

Wikimedia Commons · Bryan Foy · Public domain

Synopsis

Two men leave their small town hoping to open a New York barbershop. The business turns out to conceal a speakeasy, trapping them in the affairs of a bootlegging gang. A nightclub singer, a possessive crime boss and a plan to frame an innocent man pull their dream of independence toward violence.

Cast

Helene Costello

Cullen Landis

Wheeler Vivian Oakman

Eugene Pallette

DirectorsBryan Foy

Historical context

Released by Warner Bros. in 1928, Lights of New York is recognized as the first entirely talking feature film. It grew from a planned short into a full-length production, and its commercial appeal contrasted with reviews that found the crime story and staging less impressive than the novelty of sustained dialogue.

Sources and availability

General references identify the work and its copy. A reference beside an editorial section is linked to the claims checked in that section.

Wikipedia — film reference Wikidata — film identity and credits

Work catalogued as public domain in the United States.

The public-domain references concern the original films in the United States. Rights can differ for other countries, editions, restorations, music or translations. Sources are listed on each film page.

Availability checked on September 15, 2026.

Photograph credit

Photographs cropped, resized and optimized as WebP, displayed in monochrome.

Helene Costello — Unknown. Image taken in the 1920s.; http://www.famousfix.com/topic/helene-costello/photos · Public domain
Cullen Landis — Albert Witzel · Public domain
Eugene Pallette — Universal Pictures · Public domain

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