Scrapbook of the 20th Century: Silent Movies in Utah

Utahns were well into the movies in the 1920s, and Utah itself was getting into the movies with increasing frequency. Stars such as Clara Bow, Pola Negri, Rudolph Valentino and the Laurel/Hardy team of slapstick comedians drew crowds to downtown theaters. In 1922, Antelope Island's buffalo herd figured in the 10-reel silent western "Covered Wagon," which set a standard for early oaters. Utahn James Cruze was the director. The movie industry discovered Utah's unique scenery and camera crews became almost regular fixtures, especially in southern Utah.