The Picture Show Annual (1932)

Picture Show Annual 11 The Blue Angel," apart from the remark- able acting by Marlene Dietrich and mark- ing Emil fanning s' successful debut in English-speaking films, was the first to ally the silent and talkie technique with skill. worn of! and the entertainment value of the talkies was so low that it did not appeal. Suitable plays and good acting casts were hard to get, and such good plays as were bought for screen speaking plays were so American in their outlook and problems that they did not interest British picture-goers. One of the first full-length talkies I saw was “ The Home Towners,” written, I believe, by that versatile and prolific playwright and producer. The famous Aldwych farces starring Tom Walls and Ralph Lynn made excellent talkies, although the technique was not of the film but of the stage. In the scene above, from " Rookery Nook," besides the two stars, are seen Robertson Hare and Winifred Shatter. entertainment built itself up from the ruins of the old silent pictures was simply marvellous. After a start had been made m talkies (not by a talkie but by A1 Jolson’s singing pictures) there was a halt m the enthusiasm of picturegoers which at one Hell's Angels," the film that set everyone talking, was made twice. When it was started, talkies had not yet arrived, and Greta Nissen Was given the leading role. By the time it was half finished, sound had made its entry, and Greta Nissen s Scandinavian accent had to be replaced. The sensational substitute, of course, was Jean Harlow, who is seen above with James Hall and Ben Lyon. The supreme achievement of the picture, however, was the flying scenes. The wonderful cloud effects, the spectacular stunting in the air, and the burning of a Zeppelin made everyone gasp, and Howard Hughes, the young producer, confuted the critics who foretold financial disaster. time almost threatened to kill the speaking pictures. The novelty which made Warner Brothers millions, and Jolson a big fortune, had