<p>Hollywood’s Transition to sound, 1927-32 </p><p>Crisis of the motion picture palace; running in the red…</p><p>Development of new technology </p><p>Warner Brothers breaks the ice with “Jazz Singer”, 1927; but Hollywood resists – Thalberg, “It’s just a passing fad”.</p><p>“Serious”, artistic filmmakers think it will ruin the art of films.</p><p>Expense of equipment</p><p>Supposed “perfection” of the silent film style.</p><p>But since it is so popular, everyone jumps on bandwagon by 1929.</p><p>‘Singin’ in the Rain’ 1952 – Gene Kelly as Don Lockwood; Donald O’Connor, Debbie Reynolds; Jean Hagen as the silent star with no voice.</p><p>Elegant direction by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly</p><p>Entertaining MGM musical from 50s based largely on 20s and 30s songs, but dealing with the transition to sound in 1929.</p><p>Wonderful song and dance – Title number: Gene Kelly dancing in ‘Singin’ in the Rain’.</p><p>Difficulties encountered in transition to sound – the voices of silent stars (Jean Hagen! And the prevalence of the Midatlantic accent); sound recording; synchronization.</p><p>How they were overcome – voice lessons; dubbing.</p><p>Contrast: how fast Hollywood learned to do sound.</p><p>‘Broadway Melody of 1929’, 1929; sung by Charles King</p><p>“Isn’t It Romantic” number from Rouben Mamoulian, ‘Love Me Tonight’ 1932 – stars Maurice Chevalier and Jeanette MacDonald “Pettin’ in the Park” from ‘Gold Diggers of 1933’, 1934</p><p>Warner Bros: Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler</p><p>Brilliant, show-stopping choreography by Busby Berkeley</p><p>Massive violation of Hays Code – lyrics, girls undressing in silhouette, the “perverted baby”, the final can-opening routine.</p>