Creation of Silent Films and the Evolution of Talking Pictures

Saturday, August 17 | 10:30 am (Postponed from August 10)

Motion pictures were introduced in the 1890s beginning with short scenes which ran only seconds to show the spectacle of a moving photograph. However, the absence of sound to projected stories bothered both producers and audiences alike. Inventors immediately set out to marry moving pictures with recorded sound. Join film historian and musicologist Galen Wilkes as he takes us back in time to explore the development of motion pictures and the first “talkies.”

Wilkes will show rare and unique films and videos from his collection. This fascinating story will unfold accompanied by screening some of the earliest talking films, created up to 30 years before The Jazz Singer.

Presentation will begin at 10:30 am; PMH Galleries will be open for viewing at 10:00 am.

Space is limited; advance reservations required.

Image: Kinetophone, 1913.

Host or Publisher Pasadena Museum of History