WHERE SILENCE IS GOLDEN

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 506, 8 November 1928, Page 15

WHERE SILENCE IS GOLDEN

QUIET METHODS NECESSARY TO MAKE “TALKIES” One of the most efficient methods of directing sound pictures was tecently seen in operation on the set where the first scenes of Paramount's picture version of the stage play. “Interference,” were being made. The director. Lothar Mendes, hud at his elbow a row of electric pushbuttons which were connected with a corresponding row of small electric coloured lights. They were so arranged as to be clearly visible to all the players, cameramen and technicians. Different hues had been carefully prearranged in place of the usual commands of the director. Before filming any particular section of “Interference.” the scene was carefully rehearsed in order to perfect the action and dialogue l . Then the company prepared to record the scene in picture and sound, and all was silent on the set. A light flashed and the cameras began to turn on their silent bearings. Studio electricians, their eyes on the glowing bulbs, carefully operated the big incandescents and other lighting appliances, while th© sound director, behind the plate glass in the roof of the set, regulated the volume of sound that reached the microphones. And so after several hours’ laborious work in which the scene was retaken many times, the work was completed and preparations for the next portion of “Interference” continued.

On completion of her role in "A Woman of Affairs.” in which she is now co-starring with John Gilbert. Greta Garbo, famous Swedish actress will appear in an original story by John Colton. This will deal with tropical adventure The Paramount production of th* well-known stage play as a motion picture, will b© done with sound, and the company is now busy on one of the sound stages. The voices of Evelyn Brent, Clive Brook. William Power and Doris Kenyon will be heard in the production.