1. The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928), directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer, chronicles the trial of Jeanne d’Arc on charges of heresy and the attempts to force her to recant.

2. The Scarlet Letter (1926).

3. Blackmail (1929).

Comments:

”[The Passion of Joan of Arc] is the masterpiece of this period; I’ve seen it at least three times, and I am mesmerized at every viewing. The images of Joan stay with me. The story is about a corruption of religion and true belief, and about the literalization (depiction) of the noble suffering of martyrdom. But it is also a movie that suggests possibilities of transcendence and redemption and grace. This film is about more than the elements of its plot; it suggests the power of images without spoken dialogue (the artistry of the imagery). For me, this is clearly one of the most important law films (and nonlaw films) of all time.” —Philip N. Meyer

“The Scarlet Letter is a beautiful late silent film by Victor Sjostrom with Lillian Gish as Hester Prynne; again courage in the face of injustice.” —Diane Waldman

“Blackmail is Alfred Hitchcock’s first talkie, and remains a fascinating film in showing how a guilty (though defensible) killer goes free.” —Daniel M. Kimmel