Professor Thinks Movies Improve Speech

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 105, 28 January 1938, Page 16

Professor Thinks Movies Improve Speech

"WHATEVER tailing the movies ’’ might have,” says Professor Simons, North-western University. U.S.A., “they must be credited with doing a vast amount of good in swinging people away from the deadly monotone which is an unfortunate characteristic of our speech.” The professor made this observation during a recent vi-ir to the Paramount Studios. "Motion pictures, because they appeal l<> the eye as well as the ear. are doing mor* 1 than any other medium to stimulate more effective use of language I would say that radio is next in this category.” The remark about monotonous speech referred to Americans, who have, been observed to err more in that respect than English and New Zealanders. v - Lengthy Dramatic Season At Melbourne r pHE 'thirteen weeks and a half season ■*- of Fay Compton at the King’s Theatre, Melbourne, has proved a wonderful success, and, but for arrangements made for the New Zea laird season. which must bo adhered 10. would have continued much longer. On Tuesday night, January 25, Miss Compton and the members of her London company will make their final appearance in "To-night at 8.30.” This production, comprising three one-act plays by Noel Coward, together with “Victoria Regina,” has demonstrated the art and versatility of Fay Compton, and has added to the popularity the famous English actress won in Melbourne by her portrayal of Queen Victoria in Laurence Housman’s notable play. Quite a long time will elapse before Miss Compton and her popular company will return to Melbourne.