On August 23, 1926, a significant event in cinema history took place with the release of the silent film "Don Juan," starring John Barrymore. This film was notable for being the first feature-length movie to utilize the Vitaphone sound system, which synchronized sound effects and a musical score with the film.

"Don Juan" premiered at the Warner Theatre in New York City, marking a pivotal moment in the transition from silent films to "talkies." The Vitaphone system used a record player synchronized with the film projector to add sound to the movie. While "Don Juan" itself didn't have synchronized dialogue, it did feature a synchronized musical score and sound effects, which greatly enhanced the viewing experience for the audience.

The success of "Don Juan" and the Vitaphone system paved the way for the release of "The Jazz Singer" in 1927, which was the first feature-length film to include synchronized dialogue. This development revolutionized the film industry and marked the beginning of the end for silent films.

John Barrymore's performance in "Don Juan" was highly praised, and the film was a box office success. It showcased his versatility as an actor and helped solidify his status as one of the most prominent stars of the era.

The release of "Don Juan" on August 23, 1926, represents a significant milestone in the evolution of cinema, as it introduced a new era of sound in films and set the stage for the widespread adoption of talking pictures in the years that followed.