1928's Lights of New York was the first "all-talking" feature, with spoken dialogue throughout, and it shows. That said, it really isn't fair to dock a movie some points for being held back by the technical limitations of its time. What the movie really suffers from, however, is a hammy, melodramatic plot and some of the most wooden acting you'll ever see. It isn't without it charms for anyone interested in late silent/early sound cinema (I've even rewatched it a couple of times), but be advised that even 1928 critics found Lights of New York to be "crude" (New York Times), "second-rate" (Film Daily), and "junk" (variety). Watch it only for the fact that it represents a historical milestone.
Review of Lights of New York
