YANKEE “TALKIES”

Gisborne Times, Volume LXX, Issue 11124, 6 February 1930, Page 5

YANKEE “TALKIES”

SUGGESTED PROTECTION OP ENGLISH LANGUAGE MINISTER REFUSES TO RESTRICT IMPORTATION ... HUMOROUS INTERLUDE (Received Feb. 5, 7.40 p.m.) ... LONDON, Feb. 5. Sir W. Knox suggested that in the interests and protection o fthe English language the importation of American “talkie’’ Aims should be restricted. The Hon. W. Graham said these were admitted under existing legislation and he was not prepared to directly restrict American talkies. Mr Thurtle: “Would you accept a Scotsman as an authority on the English language?" Mr Graham (emphatically): Certainly.” (Laughter.) ‘•TALKIE” SURPRISE FDR NUTTS. VILLAGERS. ONE- W OMA N SYNCHKON ISA. T.TON. NOTTINGHAM, Dec. 21. Talking films of a novel kind have recently been presented at several small cinemas in Notts, mining villages—and the cinomb, proprietors and villagers hope they will never see any of that particular kind again The story of the extraordinary enterprise which led to tlio showing of these ‘talkies’ was told at yes. torday’s meeting of the Notts, and Derbyshire Branch of the Cinematograph Exhibitors’ Association. It. appears that the mail, responsible for the idea wrote to Hie proprietor of a cinema near Mansfield offering to give a “talkie” jierforznance.on any clay of the week which would draw a' crowded audience. II is performance would be on a miniature installation, and lm would carry out all the publicity in connection with the “stunt. in return he demanded 50 per ceiit. ot. the gross takings for the day. His offer was accepted by one cinema proprietor. The show was “boomed” and every seat in the house was booked. The man with tlio idea did not arrive until the last moment, and then he was equipped only with "a grama-phone and a microphone. His “talkie” consisted of the screening of a very old film, entitled ‘Motherloss,” while his wife spoke into tin* microphone and endeavoured to synchronise her remarks with the film.

Moreover, tile film had been badly “cut,” it was shown absurdly slowly, and tlio voice of flic woman was practically inaudible. Tlio outcome of it was tliiut the audience was in all uproar. And when the proprietor remonstrated with tlio man, pointing out that lie had done him an immense an ount of harm, the man replied that- he would bo ready to pay £IOO to any charity if it could not be-,proved that his was not a “real talkie performance/’

Apparently this enterprising individual went to other parts of Notts, where his reputation liaj not preceded him, and carried elf a similar coup, it being, estimated Hat he was drawing about £IOO a week by means of exploiting Ins' “installation.” ;/ The members of the association heard with lhucb amusement, that lie had now gone to exploit “fresh fields and ,pastures now’ in another part of the country. •