Hollywood Filmograph (Jan-Jul 1930)

February 1, 1930 "ALL HOLLYWOOD IS SINGING THESE DAYS" By Laurence A. Lambert Music Editor After months of keen anticipation, Lawrence Tibbett, the great Metropolitan Opera baritone, has been heard on the singing screen, in the "Rogue Song," at the Chinese Theatre. This great singer proves the contention of many eminent musicians, namely, that REAL VOICES, GENUINE SINGERS, have a place in the LAURENCE A. LAMBERT film firmament, and that their magnificent voices can be admirably recorded and completely projected. Also, that the vast "movie" public, heretofore thought immune and possibly indifferent to the "Great Voices" of the Operatic and Concert field, TRULY APPRECIATE, and quickly recognize, such magnificent singing as Tibbett has given us in his first film, presented by that alert group of film producers, M-G-M. Tibbett, truly, as M-G-M are so widely advertising, will "change motion picture history," insofar as singing is concerned. After hearing this one great voice, the public will surely not be satisfied with the "trash" that has been so frequently served to them, under the guise of "singing," from some of the inferior movie voices. Many producers have held that the great voices would not appeal to the general public, also that the recording and projecting devices would not satisfactorily handle the large volume of tone poured out by the voluptuous operatic voices, but the response already given the Tibbett film, all over the country, quickly shows the public's keen and quick appreciation of the glorious singing done by this master artist, and the ability of the recording and projecting apparatus is most assuredly proven, to the fullest possible extent, in this M-G-M film. So, we say, "Hail to the Mighty Voices" of the operatic and concert field, and may there be many more such artistic singing films made in the near future. History is being made by this film, and alert producers, with their ears open to the public's wants, will quickly reach out into the musical field for more of the truly great voices of the world. All filmdom is eagerly awaiting the early release of the new John McCormack singing film which promises to add much fuel to the brilliant fire already started by Tibbett. McCormack is known throughout the entire world, and his advent into the films will no doubt pave the way for more of the master voices of the country to trek to Hollywood, fast becoming the "Musical Center of the Western World," and to display their lovely voices, without modification or distortion, to the vast movie public, heretofore denied the great privilege of hearing them in concert or operatic singing. The satisfactory recording and projecting of the individual voice of Tibbett, also quickly paves the way for the producing of many of the world's greatest comic, light, and grand operas, and the better grade of musical comedies, using singing stars of the legitimate stage, instead of casting them, as heretofore, with regard only to "type," and little or no attention paid to the "voice." Truly, music has been vastly advanced by the Tibbett film, and with the recent perfecting of the "color" processes, and the anticipated advent, in the near future of the "Third Dimension film," many important changes will soon take place, and the entire world may probably wait with bated breath, the mighty singing films that will be produced during the present year. This column will follow, with keen UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT Hotel Padr@ 1962 Cahuenga Ave. Offers You a Room With Private Bath for $2.00 A Room With Shower $1.50 Special Weekly Rates $8.50 Up Just around the corner from "everything" the Padre awaits your visit HO. 3642 interest, all developments in the musical field, as related to films, and will endeavor to faithfully present, from week to week, the important changes that take place. We will also review, with unprejudiced viewpoint, the new films, that present singing of any type, keeping our public informed regarding the new artists, also of the progress shown by our own "Movie Colony," who seem to realize the new peril that has been created for them, by the introduction of the great singers, and who, it is reported, are making strenuous efforts to improve their own voices under Hollywood teachers. More power to them. Our hats are off to their ambitions and energy, and we wish them all success. 1 i i LUTHER REED With production on "Dixiana" scheduled to start on the R-K-O lot about February 15, Luther Reed, director, is assembling his technical staff for' preliminary conferences. Reed will use practically the | same staff, headed ,by Fred Fleck, that ably assisted him in production of "Hit the Deck" and "Rio Rita." Work on "Dixiana" is being held iup until the completion of the new sound stage at RK-O, said to be the largest in the world. It was especially built for the production of wide-film features, of which "Dixiana" will be the first. Reed adapted the story for the musical extravaganza from the libretto by Anne Caldwell. Harry Tierney wrote the music. Bebe Daniels will sing the leading role. i i i Theatre Mart, starting January 16, will present for one week "The Scar," an original comedy-drama by Mrs. Alice Barney. Luther Reed W. E. 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