TALKING FILMS

Hokitika Guardian, 30 October 1928, Page 6

TALKING FILMS

*■' PUBLIC OPINION DIVIDED. (United Press Association-By Electric . Telegraph-—Copyright). - ; , LONDON, October 27. London’s first talking film has met with, a varied reception. It was “The Terror,” by Edgar Wallace. The general .verdict appears, to ,be . that the “ Talkies ” do not displace .the silent film—pot. even in quality. . It is a strain on the attention. The semisomnolent .music, of the ordinary cinema is. absent. Knocks on the door .in these films are ' less impressive than bad been expected. The footsteps are barely heard, and the high-pitched voices are unpleasant, while the American accent is harsh.

Mr "John Drinkwater says: “The •Talkie’ is a thing of great potential value, and it means the distribution of fine work.: It is highly important and should be employed by people of artistic sensibility.” Mr Miles Mander, film director, suvs that nobody could convince him that the English will tolerate the “Talkie ” which tends to eliminate the artistic silent film. ®

• Miss Daisy Kennedy says that the instrumental reproduction is the test heard. The vocal reproduction is not so good, but it is impressive. London is likely to he divided *n.o two schools in opinion, but it will certainly be years before there are any films except the silent ones.