cooper , mary brian in virginian, 1929 cooper became major movie star in 1929 release of first sound picture, virginian, directed victor fleming , co-starred mary brian , walter huston. based on popular novel owen wister, virginian 1 of first sound films define western code of honor , helped establish many of conventions of western movie genre have lasted present day. according biographer jeffrey meyers, romantic image of tall, handsome, , shy cowboy hero embodied male freedom, courage, , honor created in large part cooper in film. unlike silent film actors had trouble adapting new sound medium, cooper transitioned naturally, deep , clear , pleasantly drawling voice, suited characters portrayed on screen, according meyers. looking capitalize on cooper s growing popularity, paramount cast him in several westerns , wartime dramas in 1930, including brave, texan, 7 days leave, man wyoming, , spoilers. cooper , lili damita in fighting caravans, 1931 one of more important performances ...