It was fascinating to take a look back at the top American stars of the 1913 movie industry. Well, now it is time to see who took top honors in 1914. Motion Picture Magazine held a contest to see which star would receive the most votes. I’m sure a bit of ballot stuffing probably occurred but as the participants had to pay postage to vote, I imagine that it was not enough to tip the scales too badly. Participants were asked to mail coupons (maximum of one per month) naming their favorites:
As an added bonus, Motion Picture Magazine also held a contest for scenario writing. The top stars chosen would then act in photoplays written by the magazine readers.
You will recall that the 1913 list was rather male-centric. Well, the ladies were out in force for 1914!
The top 15 of 1914:
- Earle Williams
- Clara Kimball Young
- Mary Pickford
- J. Warren Kerrigan
- Mary Fuller
- Marguerite Clayton
- Arthur Johnson
- Alice Joyce
- Carlyle Blackwell
- Francis X. Bushman
- Crane Wilbur
- Edith Storey
- Florence Lawrence
- King Baggot
- Anita Stewart
Since many of these performers may be unfamiliar (and some have no films available for home viewing), here is a handy gallery:
For purposes of comparison, here were the top 15 stars from the 1913 contest:
- Romaine Fielding
- Earle Williams
- J. Warren Kerrigan
- Alice Joyce
- Carlyle Blackwell
- Francis X. Bushman
- G.M. “Broncho Billy” Anderson
- Muriel Ostriche
- Arthur Johnson
- Mary Fuller
- Edith Storey
- Crane Wilbur
- Maurice Costello
- Ormi Hawley
- Mary Pickford
Many favorites have been knocked off the list entirely (Romaine Fielding did not even make the top 15), demonstrating just how fast the motion picture industry was moving.
But wait, there’s more!
In May, I will be holding Centenary Month, in which I shall try to watch and review films from as many of these 1914 stars as possible. I can’t guarantee that I can cover everyone but I can sure try.
☙❦❧
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Movies Silently 
The slide show is marvelous.
It’s funny how you get to know people. I’m familiar with Clara Kimball Young through her appearances in Hop-along Cassidy movies. Francis X Bushman I first became aware of because he was a favourite of Granny Clampett’s on The Beverly Hillbillies.
Thanks so much!
I know what you mean. I heard of Crane Wilbur in House of Wax.
The Hoppy films are a treasure trove of silent veterans. 🙂