Ford president.
             However, there was also a large high-priced auto market. The Coolige Prosperity fueled the prices of such monsters as the Locomobile Model 48, for $13,000, $130,000 today, and the 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom, selling between $17-18,000, $180,000. These luxurious cars undoubtedly functioned as status symbols, transporting the occupants in a style that cannot be found today's automobiles.
             Without question silent films dominated the 1920's film industry. These films fascinated and captivated much of the world, despite the often, by modern standards, poor production quality and lack of descent special effects, dialogue and hot soundtracks. Photography technology produced grainy, often blurry images that mercifully cleared toward the end of the decade. Dialogue was communicated through lip-reading and sparse titles. The soundtracks consisted of mostly bland, ambient organ music.
             However, the absence of the modern film elements is exactly what made, and still makes, the silent films unique and compelling. Without the distractions of sharp, swift photography and stellar sound, more emphasis and attention was placed on the story. Silent movie audiences were forced to complete the picture and plot for themselves, to think and analyze in order to understand. Unlike most current movies, in which the audience watches in an essentially subconscious state, lulled into lethargy by the fast action and lucid plot, the silent films demanded attention. Although, it is doubtful the popularity of the 1920's film industry relied on plot line and substance. It is more likely that the novelty, reality, and fantasy of the films motivated much of the movie patron population.
             The novelty of projected moving pictures certainly had to be a large attraction. Undoubtedly many patrons simply sat awe-struck beneath a large silver screen, staring with disbelief at the dancing, fighting and clowning actors. While m...