Silent cinema refers to films produced without synchronized sound, particularly dialogue. This era, which lasted from the late 19th century until the late 1920s, relied on visual storytelling, intertitles, and live musical accompaniment to convey emotions and narratives. Notable films from this period include The Birth of a Nation and The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. During this time, actors like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton became famous for their expressive performances and physical comedy. The transition to sound films, marked by the release of The Jazz Singer in 1927, led to the decline of silent cinema, but its influence remains significant in film history.