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178 W. B. COOK [j. s. M. p. E.
paniment so cleverly cued to the picture in all the best theaters; but with the advent of 16-mm. sound-film, the family in the home, the children in the church, their parents at the club, or the shut-ins in the hospitals or institutions could for the first time enjoy every illusion of reality, previously enjoyed only by the spectator in the theater. The emotional appeal of combined sound and speech was beyond description and for the first time there was available a means of entertainment challenging the radio in its universal applications.
What of the future of 16-mm. sound-film? As a matter of fact, its future has already been firmly assured. Its present status is far ahead of that of the 35-mm. at a corresponding stage of development. Whereas the 35-mm. sound-film had to start from nothing, and an entirely new art, science, and manufactured product had to be developed, 16-mm. sound has but to follow closely in the footsteps already carved by its older and bigger brother. It should never seek to compete in the professional amusement field, but will doubtless completely encompass the entire nontheatrical field.
As any 35-mm. negative is capable of making 16-mm. reduction prints of quality comparable with their size, it is evident that any great film epic can be made available if the demand should justify it. Many of the greatest silent pictures were reproduced on 16-mm. film, and it is already evident that the 16-mm. sound-film will enjoy a popularity never imagined in the silent field.
But future progress will be dependent upon the equipment manufacturers. The film reproduction problems are solved. Projectors must be perfected to such a state that no skill is required and adjustments shall seldom be necessary; made so simple that any member of the family or any school-boy can operate them successfully; so silent and unobtrusive as to become a piece of household furniture, like the phonograph or radio. The present frequency response must be broadened so as to achieve sound reproduction on a par, at least, with that now attained in the average theater. And, perhaps most important of all, ultimate success will depend largely upon the cost of the equipment and its film service.
DISCUSSION
MR. CRABTREE: Assuming a given picture, on 35 and 16-mm. film, would people rather go to the theater, or stay at home to see it? It seems to me that people more than ever these days will not stay at home. What is your experience ?
MR. COOK: I can not answer that definitely. It obviously depends upon the disposition and temperament of the individual family. I am inclined to believe