When
sound became the public outcry, the majority of small independent
studios went bancrupt and closed their doors. The expense of sound
equipment, special film, special cameras and all the equipment adjustments
were just too great. Even the major studios struggled trying to adjust
as fast as they could while trying to save what was in production
and recent productions.
At
first, studios tried to take their silent films and add a sound record
that was played while the film was being shown.... this didn't last
long. The came the slogan 'All-talkies' just to show that it wasn't
just music playing along.
But
the studios had ANOTHER major problem to overcome. The majority of
the BIG Actors and Actresses weren't used to speaking. Many had squeaky
voices or heavy accents. Some studios even tried dubbing in voices
over some of the major stars trying to hold on to their box office
draws.
Very
few 'stars' were able to cross over to the sound era. Studios were
in desperate need of experienced 'speaking' stars. The only place
they were available was Broadway and the stage. There weren't enough
to fill this new demand of sound. Studios started recruiting almost
ANYONE who could speak and perform. You'll notice the major influx
of musicals, dance reviews, swimming, and even skating during the
1930s.
Here
we are trying to gather and present information on these pioneers of
the sound era.
