The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1913)

4 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. THOS. A. EDISON'S NEW TALKING PICTURE INVENTION A Decided Success and Wins the Highest Encomiums from Those Present at the Initial Exhibition Given at the Laboratory in West Orange, N. J., Recently — Represents the Latest Development of Thos. A. Edison's Efforts in the Line of Synchronizing the Motion Picture and the Phonograph — Presentation of an Entire Play or Opera Combining Action, Conversation and Singing Now Possible — Full of Possibilities. Talking motion pictures are at last a reality. This newest form of amusement is to be offered to New York City in the course of four or five weeks. The inventor, Thomas A. Edison, promised it after a demonstration of his latest invention in the directors' room of the Edison laboratory in West Orange, N. J., on January 3. Arrangements have been made to install the talking motion picture machine in four vaudeville theaters in 'Manhattan and three in Brooklyn. After many years of experimentation Mr. Edison has at last perfected a machine synchronizing the, motion picture and the phonograph, solving a problem that has engaged the attention and study of investigators in every country where the motion picture is known. The demonstration at the laboratory was witnessed by several of 'his associates and employes and the veteran inventor was an interested spectator himself. He occupied a seat on the front row, where he could best catch the strains from some of his favorite selections. In all seven reels were exhibited. The first picture was that of a lecturer advancing to the front of the stage, bowing to the audience and proceding in good voice to describe the new invention, which he called the "Kinetophone;" the words having been placed in his mouth, after the fashion of ventriloquists, by the synchronized phonograph behind the curtain. He then made several tests to establish his assertion of perfect synchronism. A piece of chinaware was dashed to the floor with a crash. Horns and whistles were blown, followed by piano, violin and vocal solos. When collie dogs that actually barked were introduced into the picture, the shadowy lecturer, apparently satisfied that his audience was convinced, came forward again and said : "To what vast purpose it can attain can only ' be guessed. Consider, for instance, the historic value of a Kinetophone production of George Washington if it were possible to show it now, and you will realize the splendid opportunities of future generations to study the great men of today. The political orator can appeal to thousands while remaining at his own fireside; the world's greatest statesmen, actors, singers can be seen and heard in even the smallest hamlet, not only to-day, but 100 years hence. In fact, there seems to be no end to the possibilities of this greatest invention of the wizard of sound and sight, Thomas A. Edison." Mr. Edison, taken by surprise at the complimentary utterances of the picture talker, looked as embarrassed as a schoolboy, and, fearing that there might be further tributes to himself on the unwound reel, straightway demanded of his chief engineer, M. R. Hutchison, that the performance be discontinued. The next reel showed the miser scene from the "Chimes of Normandie," and in turn the Miserere from "Trovatore," the quarrel between Brutus and Cassius from "Julius Caesar," a comedy sketch entitled "The Politician," and two others, "Her Redemption'' and "Dick, the Highwayman." In light and grand opera, in comedy and serious Thomas A. Edison. drama, the movements of the 'actors and singers were marked by the realism of the present-day stage. Distinct articulation was attained, and this made it all the more obvious that voice and action had been simultaneously recorded. In order to synchronize light and sound waves it was necessary to have a recorder of sufficient delicacy to be affected by the minutest sound waves at a distance of fully 40 feet, so that the recording apparatus would be outside the field of the lens. The phonographic recorder was attached to the picture machine, and it was only left for the actors to perform in the regular way to make a dual record. The record thus made is reproduced in the same way that all motion pictures are projected, with the addition of the synchronized phonograph that interprets the pictures from behind the curtain. The phonograph can be removed from the picture machine at distances varying up to 300 feet. The talking machine is so constructed that it "sets the pace" for the picture machine, so that the reel cannot overrun the record on the phonograph. The operator of the picture machine, whose booth the law requires to be fireproof and consequently almost soundproof, is provided with a transmitter from the phonograph and a speed indicator, by which he can detect any trouble behind the curtain. Mr. Edison expressed himself as highly gratified at the results achieved. He was frank to admit, however, that there were still some defects to be overcome, and his critical ear was quick to find fault with the selection from "Trovatore," which, he said, was "still rough" and would have to be "toned down." "In the next year or two," said Mr. Edison after the completion of the tests of his new contrivance, which seems to ;have solved the problem of synchronizing the motion picture and phonograph, "it will be no unusual thing to present an entire play or opera, as we now are able to produce a playlet or scene from the big plays. "The trouble was in getting sound tonal effects, as the recording device is obliged to act in concert with the photographic instrument. This compelled the players to talk at an instrument fortyfeet away, and it was quite difficult to get their words so that they could be reproduced naturally. We have managed it somehow, so that the amusement public, as well as ourselves, will be the gainer." "How will this affect the stage?" "It will give everybody an opportunity to not only see celebrated stage folk but to hear them in their portrayals as they speak their lines. The voices will be easily recognizable, and the larger the theater the better the words can be understood. The Kinetophone is not 'yet perfected by any means, but you may say that in my opinion the talking moving picture is no longer a theory but a scientific fact." Mr. Edison then said it was his wish to put the best operas and dramas within the reach of the man of small means, or, as -he expressed it, "to make it possible for the poorest families in Squeedunk to see the same operas and plays that are produced in New York City for an admission price of five cents." THE POWERTHAT WINS. I know of no power more irresistible than the power of enthusiasm, optimism, proper self-confidence. It's the power that wins. We are busy with nineteen thirteen business but take this opportunity to thank our dealers who favored us during nineteen twelve, for their support and to extend to them our heartiest wishes for their continued success in the year to come. During the current year we shall aim to improve our service and by so doing not only hold our regular rade but attract new dealers, familiarize them with our methods and be able to number them among our "regulars" and to favor them over the transients during the time of shortages as we have during the holiday season just passed. IF YOU ARE NOT BUYING OF US NOW— WRITE. EASTERN SERVICE IS GOOD SERVICE. BUT ABOVE ALL IT IS JUST. EASTERN TALKING MACHINE COMPANY 177 TREMONT STREET, BOSTON, MASS. FOR EIGHTEEN YEARS TALKING MACHINES EXCLUSIVELY