His Master's Voice (Silent) (DVD)

Bob Henley, a sensitive, artistic soul who still clings to his mother's apron strings, is sent to the Western Front during the darkest days of World War I. Terrified by what he sees, the young man is only brought out of his catatonia by Thunder, a mangy but brave war dog. With the loyal canine's help, Bob is able to acclimate himself to the horrors of war. The soldier's newfound bravery places him in mortal danger, however, when his commander chooses him for a deadly mission across enemy lines. Bob is gripped with fear when he realizes that he will not have Thunder by his side. But the dedicated animal will prove that a dog is truly man's best friend, even when all hope is lost.

His Master's Voice's leading man, George Hackathorne, played Sid Sawyer to Jack Pickford's Tom in Tom Sawyer (1917) and Huck and Tom (1918). He was personally picked for the role by Jack's sister Mary, who also cast him in her Amarilly of Clothesline Alley (1918). Hackathorne struggled to find work after the advent of sound, however; his last role would be as one of the many wounded soldiers in Gone With the Wind (1939). Thunder, billed as "The Marvel Dog," was one of many Rin-Tin-Tin imitators who popped up during the silent era. Starring George Hackathorne, Marjorie Daw, Thunder the Dog. Directed by Renaud Hoffman.

BONUS: Unmasked (BW, Silent, 1917): Two high society jewel thieves compete for a priceless necklace, and each other's affections, in this rare short written, directed, and starring Grace Cunard. Nicknamed "The Serial Queen" by the movie magazines, this multi-talented female powerhouse starred in the chapter plays Lucille Love, Girl of Mystery (1915) and The Adventures of Peg o' the Ring (1916), as well as writing close to 100 screenplays. Cunard also directed a dozen films, of which Unmasked is one of the few surviving examples. She often partnered with co-star Francis Ford, the brother of legendary director John Ford.

• silent