The Film Mercury (1928-1929)

Hollywood, Calif. THE FILM MERCURY, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1928 Page Nineteen Will Film Folk Survive the Talkie Fad? Faced with a new problem, the producers are in a bewildered state of mind. After thirty years of groping for a celluloid expression, only to have to toss it aside when it is finally in their grasp, is somewhat upsetting. And that is just what the sound pictures have done. The film barons are in almost the same position as when they entered the canned industry. They have to learn the construction of a photoplay. They have to find out the stars who will prove popular with dialogue. They have to sift for a director who understands both stage and screen. In this state of confusion, instead of taking an intelligent survey of the situation, .the producers have become hysterical. They have signed many theatrical people, for acting, writing, By Anabel Lane direction and dramatic teaching. As a frightened child turns to its older sister, the movies looked to the stage when this crisis arrived. Now, sound pictures are an even stranger medium for stage, than they are for film folk. The way out of the fog raised by this innovation is a concerted effort of motion picture people to reach a new form of cinema expression. The present one used in sound films will soon give way to a more subtle and finer form, and it will be film workers, not the recently recruited stage workers, who discover it. This statement does not mean I am antagonistic to stage people. As a matter of fact I am more sympathetic to them than any group of artists, but the feeling is engendered that while they will contribute to the de velopment of sound pictures, the actual improvements and formation will come from those who have been engaged in the cinema for many years. Reports from various studios are to the effect that there is constant friction between theatrical and film people. Each one insists his suggestion is right and backs it with vehement wording. Each one seems to forget he is experimenting with a new idea. The controversy between the stage and screen will prove costly to the producer. The assertion is not made that the stage people will be less alert and keen than those who have been connected with the movie. It is claimed that a few who have been put in charge of departments are doing fine work. There are some Eddie Leonard With Universal George R. Rogan and Norman L. Sper, newspaper men, who recently sold their original story, “The Minstrel Man” to Universal, are also getting a good break on the casting. Universal has signed Eddie Leonard, famous minstrel star, to play the lead. Harry Pollard, of “Show Boat” fame, will direct. The film will have sound effects and dialogue. * * * “Dynamite,” an original story by Jeannie MacPherson, will be Cecil B. DeMille’s first production for M-G-M. brilliant playwrights in Hollywood who will supply dialogue that is first rate. There will be many actors and actresses who will add grace, charm and ability to the silversheet. In the final survival, though, it is my belief that the picture people will come out on top. Charles Kenyon Just Completed “THE PLAT GOES OK An Original Screen Play With Dialogue for UNIVERSAL if m