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The Film Trunk
Our free library of feature films in the public domain.
Where Are My Children? (1916)
Lois Weber
A silent film by one of the most influential female directors of early American cinema, known for tackling bold social issues in her work. The film was groundbreaking not only for its subject matter--almost scandalous at the time--but also for its narrative sophistication and moral complexity, cementing Weber’s reputation as a pioneering voice in socially conscious filmmaking. The film's themes remain relevant today as reproductive rights are debated and legislated.
One of the first horror films and a masterpiece of German Expressionism cinema known for its distorted sets and eerie visual style, the film tells the story of a mysterious hypnotist who uses a sleepwalker to commit murders, blurring the line between madness and reality. Visually stunning and unsettling. Influenced film noir, horror, and psychological thrillers.
This early horror film is an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula--and one of the earliest and most influential horror films in cinema history. With its stark German Expressionist style, innovative use of light and shadow, and haunting atmosphere, Nosferatu set the tone for generations of gothic storytelling. Despite legal battles that nearly led to its destruction, it survived to become a cult classic and cornerstone of early 20th-century filmmaking.
A silent documentary chronicling Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s ill-fated Terra Nova Expedition to the South Pole, which they reached in January 1912, only to discover they had been beaten by Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. On the return journey, Scott and his men died in the extreme conditions, just miles from safety, making the expedition a tragic symbol of endurance and loss.
Captain Scott should have taken to heart the lessons of Captain Walton from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.
The first feature-length film with synchronized dialogue, marking the beginning of the sound era in Hollywood, this Warner Brothers production stars Al Jolson, who performs in blackface during parts of the movie, a practice that is now recognized as offensive and rooted in racism. At the time, however, Jolson was paradoxically considered a friend to the black community: he promoted black artists, performed with them, and advocated for their inclusion in entertainment venues at a time when this was considered scandalous.
The story follows a young Jewish man who defies his devout father's wishes by pursuing a career as a jazz performer, ultimately finding a way to balance tradition with his ambition. It almost accidentally winds up being a touching story of the love between mother and son, ending with a heartfelt performance of "Mammy." Disney paid homage to this historic film in The Brave Little Toaster by having the radio play it during the drowning scene!
A groundbreaking German science fiction film set in a futuristic city divided between a wealthy elite and oppressed workers, the story follows Freder, the son of the city’s ruler, as he discovers the brutal conditions of the working class and joins forces with Maria, a prophet-like figure seeking peace. An early sci-fi epic about class struggle and industrialism known for its massive sets, pioneering special effects, and social commentary, it remains one of the most influential films in cinematic history.
Soviet avant-garde experimental film. A silent documentary that captures daily life across urban Russia with no actors, sets, or scripted narrative. Celebrated for its innovative editing and cinematic techniques, it remains a groundbreaking experiment in film form and visual storytelling. Visually mind-blowing due to its wild editing and new techniques, it is still taught in film school.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning play, first performed in 1947, tells the story of Blanche DuBois (Vivian Leigh), a fragile and fading Southern belle who moves in with her sister Stella and brutish brother-in-law Stanley Kowalski (Marlon Brando) in New Orleans. The story explores themes of illusion vs. reality, mental illness, class conflict, and sexual tension, ultimately leading to Blanche’s tragic psychological breakdown.
This film is not yet in the public domain but is available on Tubi.
