As we will discuss in class on Monday, one of the early film technologies in the United States was a process called Phonofilm. Below are early examples as the technology is demonstrated with some famous personalities of the day.
- President Coolidge, Taken on the White House Ground (1924). President Coolidge speaks his views on taxation and what-not. Notice that he looks at the camera like he’s giving a speech to a crowd of people, looking left, center, and right.
- A Few Moments Eddie Cantor (1923). Cantor was a famous Vaudevillian whose act is basically being reproduced in this film. It is as there was not a camera present.
Once sound arrives, this Western Electric summarizes how it all happened.
- Finding His Voice (1929). Guess which company was significantly important for this technological marvel. Yup, you guessed it!
