International Review of Educational Cinematography (Jan-Dec 1934)

SOUND AND TALKING FILM 23 THE SOUND FILM IN TEACHING Report of the To\io Office of the League of Nations, ToKUDA. The Report deals with the following subjects • (1) Film Section of the Ministry of Education ; (2) Tokio Women's Higher Normal School ; (3) Transportation. Bureau of the Ministry of Railways ; (4) All Japan Film Dealers' Association ; (5) Information. Section of the Ministry of the Navy ; (6) Mr. Y. Gonda. (A) Artistic possibilities of the Sound Film. — It is generally believed that the artistic possibilities of the sound film are much greater than those of the silent film, provided that the sound film be used in an appropriate way and at the right moment. In other words : such possibilities depend solely on the appropriate use of recording. The artistic possibilities inherent in musical films are, it is generally believed, practically limitless. On the other hand, many organizations queried stated that sound films have fewer artistic possibilities than talking pictures although they have a more complex character through the effect of the variations in sound expression, while they are capable of provoking a greater mental effort than is required by silent films. Thus the sound films, which constitute today a transitional form between the silent film and the talkie, would appear to possess less artistic value than the talking film in its latest developments. Mr Gonda, an authority on the educational cinema, has stated that the artistic value of the sound film is somewhat but not notably superior to that of the silent film. (6) Possibilities of the Sound Film in the Documentary Field. — All the bodies and organizations consulted expressed a unanimous opinion that the sound film is of the greatest value in the documentary field, as well as for teaching phenomena and facts in nature ; this is in accordance with its musical value. (Q Difference of value between Sound and Talking Films. — Sound Films are : 1) Particularly useful in the cultural field, and especially in giving instruction on the countryside and for documentary work in propaganda and education. 2) They can be used internationally because they do not contain dialogues in any special language. 3) Much superior for musical effects. Talking Films are : 1) Of greater dramatic value for giving the real expression of the voice and for dialogue : 2) Very artistic and popular, but they cannot have an international character ; 3) They can have the possibilities and advantages recognized as appertaining to the sound film. They can be used internationally by taking advantage of dubbing systems but it is a difficult though necessary matter to take account of the various differences which exist in matters of race, language and national traditions. (D) Which of the two systems is considered more useful in teaching. — Opinions are much divided on this point. Some people prefer sound films which contain appropriate lectures and announcements recorded, while others consider talking films more effective as they appeal direcdy to the students' ears. The Ministry of Education in charge of educational films expressed the opinion that talking films, with the exception of drama-talking pictures, are much more effective in the domain of teaching, since films are used as auxiliary educational means. (£) Sound or Talking Films for Propaganda IN GENERAL. — In connection with this point, it was unanimously agreed that talking films are much more effective for propaganda in general. As for propaganda to be carried out in other countries, it is considered advisable to produce sound films with many positives with each language recorded according to the countries for which they are destined. In this sense sound films are deemed superior to the talking variety.