The Speed of Sound by Scott Eyman
A chronicle of the epic story of the transition from silent films to talkies. Debunking the myth that Hollywood was transformed overnight in the wake of the popularity of "The Jazz Singer" in 1927, Eyman shows how the industry at first resisted and then only reluctantly accepted the arrival of sound. For a long time after "The Jazz Singer", in fact, there were still some actors, directors, and even filmgoers who refused to embrace the new technology. But the sense of wonder which sound inspired in audiences, causing them to abandon the visual dynamism of silent film in favour of the crudely recorded and stiffly filmed movies of sound's first wave, meant that change was irrevocable. This text explores the technology and politics behind the introduction of sound, how this innovation affected Hollywood, and how the talkie revolution led inexorably to the modern movie industry.
"An admirably clear and vivid journey through Hollywood's most turbulent era"--Kevin Brownlow "Fascinating...colorful and richly researched."--Gavin Lambert, 'Los Angeles Times' "Anyone with an interest in accurate film history or a desire to know what really happened in the era of the transition to sound would enjoy this book. You ain't read nothing like it yet."--Jeanine Basinger, 'Washington Post' "An indispensable and long overdue piece of film history. 'The Speed of Sound' is also a page-turner of a story."--Joan Mellen, 'Baltimore Sun' "Eyman combines a historian's zeal for detail and context with a storyteller's talent for the perfect illustrative anecdote. The author deftly juggles a number of stories, including film-by-film accounts of key transition directors King Vidor and F. W. Murnau...A remarkable book."--'Library Journal' "An astute look at the most significant upheaval in Hollywood's history...Eyman tells his story with wit and skill."--'Kirkus Reviews' "Eyman's history of the four-year transition from silent to sound film reads at times like two books expertly cut and fitted together: a solidly researched, always interesting narrative of the decline of the silent era intercut with the crazy, entertaining story of the rise of talkies."--'Publishers Weekly'
Scott Eyman is the books editor for the 'Palm Beach Post'. He is the author of 'Ernst Lubitsch: Laughter in Paradise' and 'Mary Pickford: America's Sweetheart', among other books.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780801861925 |
| ISBN 10 | 0801861926 |
| Title | The Speed of Sound |
| Author | Scott Eyman |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Johns Hopkins University Press |
| Year published | 1999-05-24 |
| Number of pages | 432 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |