British Progress

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1082, 20 September 1930, Page 25

British Progress

BETTER DEMAND SHOWN New Talking Films Announced UP to a recent date a total of 1,800 theatres in the United Kingdom were showing talking films, and there are factors in the present situation which seem to indicate that better times may be approaching for producers of British films. For one thing the popularity of British films in Europe has shown a definite increase. This announcement is contained in a recent bulletin of British trade, a section of which is devoted to film-making.

There seems little doubt that there is a reaction In many territories against the average American film, as the dialect, whether in speech or song, j and whether understood or not by the i hearers, seems to be proving unduly j harsh for non-American audiences, t states the bulletin. There is undoubtedly a tendency toward making talking pictures with an English rather than an American accent, and it is hoped that this tendency may lead ultimately to increased production in the United Kingdom.

It is quite clear at any rate that foreign audiences will ultimately demand talking films in languages which they can understand, and it seems likely that Hollywood on the west coast of the United States will not prove so satisfactory a centre for producing multi-lingual films as either London or some Continental centre. The United Kingdom is taking a leading part in the making of talkiug films in languages other than English. Among recent pictures shown to the trade in London may be mentioned “The Brat,” in which Betty Balfour appears in one of those Cockney roles in which she has had much success in the past. “Loose Ends” is adapted from a stage play and noticeable for the first appearance of the well-known London actor, Owen Nares. “Greek Street” is a story of the Italian quarter of London. EDGAR WALLACE PICTURES “Stark Nature” is a full-length travel picture, descriptive of the journev of Major and Mrs. Court Treatt in wild parts of Africa. “His First Car” is a comedy founded on a music-hall sketch. “Piccadilly Nights” is a picture introducing numerous songs and dances Another release is “Wolves.” All these pictures are of the full talking type. The well-known author, Mr. Edgar Vvallace, is responsible for three new pictures, ot which “The Squeaker” is full talking, while “The Man Who Changed His Name” and “Red Aces” are silent.