the experience of reading in Britain, from 1450 to 1945...

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Robert Pollard : [Talkie & colour films]

'Meeting held at 73 Northcourt Avenue
Friday 28th March 1930
1. Minutes of last meeting were approved.
[...]
6. A warm message of sympathy to be sent to our secretary, H R Smith
7. F E Pollard opened the discussion by speaking on The Cinema and The Theatre pointing out that the silent film could only represent incidents & visible emotions, the Talkie was a mechanical reproduction, while the best dramatic art must be given there and then by living Personalities[.] Each may have its place but it would be a disaster if the theatre was driven out of existence. Geo Burrows followed dealing with the influence of films on backward Races to whom the worst was often shown with undesirable effects; & the possibilities of using Films for missionary work. H R Robson thought Films were of little use in Education; he regarded them as a species of dope, in which he indulged for the soporific effect. C E Stansfield whilst disclaiming any familiarity of them spoke of their possible deleterious influence on our language which he heard would before long be “Ammricanized” [sic] he dreaded the actions of the “Smellie” & “Feelie” & the possible increase of armaments to further the trade. Robert Pollard expressed unbounded enthusiasm for the Talkie & Colour films. The movies were dead & orchestras being displaced by records of appropriate music attached to the films. T C Elliot dealt with their effect on public life and morals which he feared was almost wholly deleterious; he produced and commented unfavourably on some of the magazines published.
An interesting general discussion followed but whilst it was felt that many undesirable features were associated with the Cinema the Club did not feel equal to the task of reforming it.'

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Pollard      Manuscript: Unknown

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