New York Cinemas Charge High Prices for “Talkies”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 532, 8 December 1928, Page 23

New York Cinemas Charge High Prices for “Talkies”

Seats at some of the leading New York cinemas, featuring talking films, cost £3 each, according to an Australian exhibitor who returned recently from a tour of America. When Mr. H. Carleton, of the Prince Edward Theatre, Sydney, arrived in New York, he was startled at the results brought about by the new films. Everywhere people were discussing various “talkie” productions. All the leading theatres were hooked out three months ahead. Mr. Carleton had to pay 26s for a seat at a matinee at one of the New York houses. The film industry has been revolutionised by the invention, he said. Only leading city theatres were able

£3 A Seat Not Uncommon

to present the new films, owing to the enormous cost, and unless there was a reduction, theatres in the smaller cities of America would not be able to have them. Although the increased cost of production had caused the v leading picture houses in New York and other big cities to raise their charges considerably, there has been no falling off in attendances, and he was surprised at the willingness displayed to pay the exorbitant prices. Mr. Carleton saw “talkies” at most of the big New York theatres. One picture featured a train wreck, and it was possible to feel that one was actually in the •wreck, the crash was so realistic. Screams and moans of injured passengers were borne to the audience just as though the wreck had occurred in the theatre.