Talkies Collection

The Fox Theatre, Detroit, Michigan - The Auditorium. Opened in 1928 as a flagship movie palace in the Fox Theatres Chain. The first theatre to be designed to incorporate a speaker system for sound

Eugene Lauste recording the first combined moving image and sound, c1905, (1935). Eugene Lauste may be seen already experimenting with " Talkies"

Harry Langdon early 1900s

Music cover, MGM's Hollywood Revue of 1929
Music cover, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's Hollywood Revue of 1929, Selection of Melodies Date: 1929

Music cover, Oh, Donna Clara, original version by Beda, English version by Jimmy Kennedy, music by J Petersburski. Date: 1930

Mary Pickford, c. 1910s (b/w photo)
XJF437945 Mary Pickford, c.1910s (b/w photo) by American Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Mary Pickford (1892-1979), born Gladys Marie Smith

Stars of the West - a group of young ladies who scintillate Hollywood, 1930 - Bernice Claire seen in First National talkies including Spring is Here (top left), the Sisters G

A Sound Proposition by Vernon Ward (talkies)
The advent of talking pictures recorded by Vernon Ward in an illustration showing people gathering outside a cinema where a poster proclaims the movie showing is All Talking. Date: 1929

Music cover, The Gold Diggers of Broadway
Music cover, Painting The Clouds With Sunshine, words by al Dubin, music by Joe Burke, from the film The Gold Diggers of Broadway. 1929

Ramon Novarro / Ben Hur
RAMON NOVARRO (Ramon Samaniegoes) Mexican actor in American silent films, later a character actor in talkies, seen here in Ben Hur (1927) Date: 1899 -

Ramon Novarro / Postcard
RAMON NOVARRO (Ramon Samaniegoes) Mexican actor in American silent films, later a character actor in talkies Date: 1899 -

Mae Marsh (1895 - 1968), (Mary Warne Marsh) American actress in silent films and talkies

Film, wireless and gramophone in the home by G. H. Davis
Talkies a self-contained cinema, gramophone and radio-set for household use, mechanism of synchrophone. Date: 1931

Texan Movie Star Bessie Love (1898-1986) - won an Academy Award nomination for Broadway Melody - recognised with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame - appeared in films between 1916 and 1983!

THE TALKIES
A live orchestra synchronizing music and sound to a film screen. Date: circa 1930

Lillian Hall-Davies, British film actress
Lillian Hall-Davies (1898-1933), British film actress of the silent era. She failed to make the transition to talkies, and committed suicide. Seen here in a mob cap, holding a basket of flowers

Victor McLaglen / Medals
VICTOR McLAGLEN British actor in British silent films and American talkies, seen here in uniform

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"Talkies: The Evolution of Film and Sound at the Fox Theatre, Detroit" Step back in time to the early 1900s as we explore the captivating world of "talkies" at The Fox Theatre in Detroit, Michigan. This historic auditorium witnessed a groundbreaking era when silent films transitioned into movies with synchronized sound. In those early days, comedic genius Harry Langdon graced the silver screen, bringing laughter and joy to audiences through his expressive performances. As music became an integral part of this new cinematic experience, MGM's Hollywood Revue of 1929 showcased dazzling musical numbers that left spectators spellbound. One cannot forget the enchanting melodies that accompanied iconic films like "Oh, Donna Clara. " These tunes transported viewers into a realm where emotions were heightened by harmonious notes and lyrics that resonated deep within their souls. Even beloved actress Mary Pickford embraced this revolutionary change. In her captivating black-and-white photo from the 1910s, she exudes grace and elegance while embracing the future of film - one filled with both moving images and sound. Eugene Lauste stands as a pioneer during these transformative times. His invention allowed for recording combined moving images and sound as early as 1905 - a technological marvel that would forever shape cinema history. As talkies gained popularity, colorful lithographs like "Silent Wives" adorned theater walls, enticing moviegoers with promises of drama and intrigue. Meanwhile, groups like Stars of the West emerged - young ladies who captivated audiences not only with their beauty but also their talent for delivering dialogue onscreen. Vernon Ward understood the power behind this audiovisual revolution when he presented "A Sound Proposition. " His artwork captured moments frozen in time yet brought alive through spoken words - an art form unlike any other before it. "The Gold Diggers of Broadway, " accompanied by its vibrant music cover artistry, epitomized everything magical about talkies.