EFFECT OF "TALKIES.”

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 48, Issue 297, 1 October 1928, Page 5

EFFECT OF "TALKIES.”

CINEMATOGRAPH DEVELOP" » MENT. BRITISH EXHIBITORS PUZZLED. i (United Press Association—Copyright), LONDON, September 29. Cinema kings, theatre magnates, authors, variety artists, and musicians are discussing the first “Talkies” exhibition in London, which consisted of a whole evening’s entertainment. All the films were accompanied by dialogue, songs and even orchestral accompaniments. According to the “Evening News,” all the interested people are puzzled concerning the effect of the “Talkies” upon the incalculable public, and refuse to predict the extent to which the novelty will catch on. Thousands) of cinema owners in England are awaiting a lead from the Exhibitors’ Associ-) ation, whose secretary expresses the opinion that there is no fear that the “Talkies” will completely drive out the silent drama. Nevertheless, exhibitors are disposed to wait and see the public’s attitude before Spending the £4OOO necessary to instal the “Talkies” mechanism. They also refuse to deliver themselves again into American hands, as no English “Talkies” are at present available. . Five to six hundred musical artists who are earning a living by _ giving items at cinema halls are afraid that the “Talkies” will prejudice their future. The musicians are not pannicky. They point out that the advent of gramophones and broadcarting were both accompanied by predictions of the disappearance of orchestras. They admit that the “Talkies” are a menace to orchestras, consisting of piano and violin, in small cinema halls. Mr Frederick Lonsdale, the dramatist, is convinced that the “Talkies)” are the greatest discovery the entertainment business has ever made. He says that although theatrical stars ap pearing on the films need not fear appearing in the “Talkies,” many purely film actors will find that a pretty profile and sbapely legs no longer atone for a Bowery accent and an unreprodueible voice. This will result in an upsetting of the scale of cinema values. He believes that the “Talkies” will become one of the greatest of England’s industries.—United Service.