TALKING FILM

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 29 October 1928, Page 5

TALKING FILM

DEMONSTRATION IN LONDON VARIED RECEPTION TWO SCHOOLS OK OPINION United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Australian Press Association LONDON, 27th October. London’s first talking film met with a varied reception. It was “The Terror” by Edgar Wallace. The general verdict appears that “talkies” do not displace the silent film, not even in quality. It is a strain on the attention. The semisomnodent music of the ordinary cinema is absent. Knocks on the door in the films are less impressive than expected, footsteps are barely heard, and high-pitched voices are unpleasant, while the American accent is harsh.

John Drinkwater says: “The ‘talkie’ is a thing of gr&at potential value, and means the distribution of line work. It is highly important, and should be employed by people of artistic sensibility.” Miles Mander, film director, says that nobody could convince him that the English will tolerate the “talkie” which tends to eliminate the artistic, silent film.

Daisy Kennedy says that instrumental reproduction is the best heard. Vocal reproduction is not so good, hut it is impressive. London is likely to be divided into two schools in opinion, but it will certainly be years before there is any effect on the silent film.