How did The Big Parade help make John Gilbert a star?

In the 1925 silent film The Big Parade, director King Vidor provided John Gilbert with a role that cemented his status as one of the first genuine superstars of the era.1

While Gilbert was known as the "Great Lover" and a romantic lead, his performance in this antiwar drama showcased a different side of his talent. By casting him as James Apperson—a spoiled, wealthy young man who is profoundly humbled by his experiences in World War I—Vidor allowed Gilbert to move beyond his typical persona. The film’s massive commercial success, becoming Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s highest-grossing movie at the time, further propelled Gilbert to the height of his fame.12