In the earlier days of movie-going, short serialized story films, called serials, were a popular form of entertainment. These serials were programmed with feature films, so someone going to a movie theatre might watch a newsreel, a serial, and their feature presentation. Many of Sennett’s Bathing Beauties, such as Mabel Normand and Juanita Hansen, would go on to star in his studio’s serials.
To get a taste of these dramatic tales, visit the Internet Archives’ list of serials available online.
(credit: American Theatre Architecture Archive, Theatre Historical Society of America)