Camera Expert Predicts Success for Talking Films

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 484, 13 October 1928, Page 25

Camera Expert Predicts Success for Talking Films

“I feel sure that sound and talking pictures are here to stay. They are destined to become highly successful, but i do not think they will oust the present silent screen drama.” This opinion was given by Mr. H. C. Parrish, of the Bell and Howell Camera manufacturing firm of Chicago, who arrived in Auckland during the week. It confirms several other statements that have been made recently, and is authoritative, for Bell and Howell are the world’s largest manufacturers of motion-picture cameras and equipment. “Sound and talking synchronising devices are being attached to our cameras,” he said, “although, for that matter, they can be attached, to any

camera. The fact that Paramount has launched a programme of 52 talking films indicates the trend of the industry, but people like to use their imaginations, and there will remain still an important place for the ordinary films.” Mr. Parrish attended a talking-film show in New York and described the effect as pleasing, although, at first, it was a little difficult to 'forget the mechanical element and associate the voices and sound instinctively with the action on the screen. Since he was in New York great improvements had been made and manufacturers were aiming at realism of effect. Originally the sounds were broadcast from loud speakers in the orchestra well, but it was likely that the speakers would be placed closer to the screen.