TALKING PICTURES.

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 33, 28 February 1930, Page 6

TALKING PICTURES.

(CONCERN is being expressed in all parts of the world at the economic effects upon the class of professional musicians, following upon the introduction of talking pictures in a comprehensive manner. In Australia the subject has attained. enough prominence to warrant its discussion by the heads of the State, and the suggestion has even been advanced that effort will be made to protect the professional musicians by the imposition of a tax upon the talking film, either direct or im relation to the number of actors’ participgjing in the film. The question raised is certainly important. is unquestionably true that every modern important mechanical advance has a temporary effect in the displacement of some labour unit. This was first shown in the cotton riots over 100 years ago. The workers of that day protested against the introduction of the power-driven loom, and showed their resentment by smashing the machinery. As time went on a more reasonable view developed, and it became clear that, while individuals might suffer temporary disability, the general class of work was. benefited, both by the opportunity of securing higher wages through the manipulation of machinery, enjoying better labour conditions through less arduous work, and enjoying also the greater standard of culture and comfort through the labour margiu of real wages being raised. Progress has been made through recognition of the fact that the invasion of machinery could not. be resisted, and that in general humanity: stood to benefit by the use of mechanics and power in every possible field. In the case of the talkies, this is merely a more poignant application of the same principle in an artistic field. The advent of the gramophone and the~ mechanical piano-player has not damaged the cause of music; rather they have benefited it. It is true that they have~ displaced thie mediocre amateur and his painful efforts at the private party; but that is definitely a blessing, not a curse. The standard of music and the extent of its appreciation to-day are greater than ever in the past, and that is due in part to the mechanisation of music through the gramophone, the piano-player, and lastly of radio. | Mechanisation, plus wide distribution, have benefited the race and the cause of culture. WHILE those factors are recognised, it is urged against the "talkies" that their displacement factor is so vast as to amount to suppression ; that the musicians affected have no opportunity for developing alternative activities. That claim is true: only in proportion as perfection is attained by the talkies. Already there has been a slight revival from the overwhelming wave of abandonment of orchestras, and in some cases theatres. prefer to maintain the individual touch given by the human performer. That tendency may prevail for a time, but in all probability it will be a losing battle, because of the inevitable increase in efficiency likely to accompany talking picture development. We do not see that much effect would follow. hurdan effort to resist the advent of the "talkie." To that extent the scope of activity for the professional musician may be limited. We do not agree, however, that the cause of music will be affected. Those with music in their souls will seek the opportunity for expression as hitherto, and the rewards for superior skill will be greater than ever. To the general populace the benefit will be given of both hearing and seeing the world’s best when screened, and in so far as radio can co-operate with the talkies, the circle of influence will be made wider and wider.