"TALKING" PICTURES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20171, 4 February 1929, Page 10

"TALKING" PICTURES.

A SUCCESS IN SYDNEY.

" A LONG STEP FORWARD."

[FROM OCT. OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

SYDNEY, Jan. 17,

After weeks of booming tho public of Sydney were encouraged to expect much from tho "Talkies," and although it is possiblo that tho "talking" pictures arc not everything that was claimed for them it can safely be said that tho public was not, disappointed. "Talkies" were shown for tho first time at two of tho leading theatres last Saturday and all day great crowds thronged both places. People were amazed at tho measure of success that has been achieved. On all hands it. is recognised that a long step forward lias been made and that tho "lalkies have como to stay.

Tho exhibitors exercised a judicious senso of restraint in presenting the initial programmes with a promise of greater things to follow. Tho "Talkies" have been such n. success in America that all the leading producing companies aro now turning their attention to them, so that there will ho no lack of subjects in tho future, many of them on a much iiioio ambitious scale than those now showing in Sydney. One 'Talkie' showing is "The Jazz Singer' and throughout the musical accompaniment of tho picture is supplied by the Cincsound devico on. the film itself, perfectly synchronised and of excellent volume. Tho story is specially written to give A 1 Jolson, famous throughout America, an opportunity to sing several popular jazz numbers in his inimilablo style. According to the Sydney Morning Herald there persisted all tho time a feeling that one was listening to an amplified gramophone. "And yet," says the writer —perhaps tho unkindest critic of all—"the robust tenor of tho cantor in tho synagogue scene, singing tho ancient 'lvol Nidrci' of his race, was reproduced in a manner entirely satisfactory. The resonance of tone in a voice of remarkable quality seemed to ring throughout the entire theatre. The synchronisation . perfect. "1112 Jazz Singer, 1 though admirable in some respects, emphasised the. impression that this novel form of entertainment is on the brink of even pcater and more amazing development."