1923

What Was Happening in 1923

Hyperinflation in Germany, the Charleston craze, and the Hollywood sign goes up

Born in

Number 1 Songs in 1923 — UK and US Charts

UK #1

"Yes! We Have No Bananas"

Billy Jones

This novelty song became one of the biggest hits of the decade. It was inspired by a Greek fruit seller on Long Island and became a catchphrase on both sides of the Atlantic.

US #1

"Yes! We Have No Bananas"

Billy Jones

The sheet music for this song sold millions of copies, making it one of the best-selling songs of the entire decade. It captured the era's love of fun and absurdity.

Biggest Films of 1923 — Box Office Hits

The Ten Commandments

Box Office: $4.2 million

Cecil B. DeMille's first version of The Ten Commandments was a spectacular silent epic. The massive sets built for the Exodus scenes were so large that some were simply buried in the sand dunes at Guadalupe, California.

Fashion and Style of 1923

Fashion, clothing and visual culture from the era

Architecture and Buildings of 1923

Buildings completed and structures opened in 1923

More About 1923

What Was Happening — A journey through the years