The "Silent Era" refers to a period in film history from the late 1890s to the late 1920s when movies were produced without synchronized sound. During this time, films relied on visual storytelling, intertitles, and live music to convey emotions and narratives. Notable genres included comedies, dramas, and westerns, with iconic stars like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton gaining fame. The era ended with the advent of "talkies," or sound films, starting with the release of The Jazz Singer in 1927. This technological shift transformed the film industry, leading to the decline of silent films and the rise of new cinematic techniques.