FILMS AND THE STUDIOS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 726, 27 July 1929, Page 29

FILMS AND THE STUDIOS

PLANNING DEFENCES In both England and America, controllers and, interested supporters of the legitimate stage are becoming seriously alarmed by the onicard march, of talkies. They are discussing and planning means by ichich their preserves may be defended. Speaking at a recent conference, Sir Gerald du Maurier advocated the demoltion of old-type theatres and the building of big, attractive houses to compete with the new picture “palaces” Another prominent expert declared that prices must be, reduced to a really popular level. Incidentally, these suggestions point plainly to the. principal weaknesses of the -modern stage—weaknesses which have been exposed ruthlessly by talkies. In the first place, legitimate theatres , for the most part, are old fashioned and unprepossessing; secondly, only the cheaper seats have been within reach of the mass of the public Motion picture exhibitors in jtast years were the, ugly ducklings of the entertainment business, ignored by theatrical producers. Having nothing more than silent films to offer, they concentrated on building beautiful cinemas of a size that enabled the best seats to be offered at a reasonable fig tire. How the talkies have provided them with fare 100 per cent, better and brighter, presented in a fashion that is swiftly becoming equal to the, stage. And supporting the talkies are beautiful surroundings, luxurious equipment, and cheap prices. In reviewing the present situation it is not unjust to claim that the theatrical producer has been hoist ivith his own petar/ He has ignored the mass of the people, and now the mass of the people is ignoring him. Cheaper prices and. better accommodation must be the twin aims of the stage in its battle with, talkies. But in the meantime, still better talkies are being evolved, and the best talent will be absorbed by the screen because, prosperous producers can offer big money.