Silent Films and Talkies

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the effects on Hollywood of the transition from silent films to films with sound. It analyzes the transition from the point of view of film historian Scott Eyman, in his essay "The Speed of Sound: Hollywood and the Talkie Revolution, 1926-1930." The paper discusses Eyman's theories based on certain films that have been produced since sound was introduced.

From the Paper:

"Eyman may be correct that technology changed the financial dynamics of the studio systems, made filmmaking more expensive, and required the import of new actors and talent to Hollywood. Individual actors whose voices clashed with their on-screen personas, like John Gilbert saw their stars diminish, or end. But the nature of the cinematic medium as a visual medium remained constant, even after the introduction of sound. Of course, this is not to deny the presence of films like screwball comedies that were purely the production of the talkies, or the presence of some staged plays for film that became popular. But for the most part, audiences still come to films to see a good show, unlike the theater, where they expect more dialogue and character development, and less technology and spectacle."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "The Bride of Frankenstein." Directed by James Whale. 1935.
• "Citizen Kane." Directed by Orson Welles. 1941.
• Eyman, Scott. The Speed of Sound: Hollywood and the Talkie Revolution: 1926-1930. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1999.
• "M." Directed by Fritz Lang. 1931.

More papers on Silent Films and Talkies:

• Analytical Essay # 59042 : "The End of the Silent Film"
• Term Paper # 53321 : "Films and Memory"
• Comparison Essay # 1405 : "A History of Hollywood Comedy"

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