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Contrary to popular belief, the cinema didn’t start to talk overnight with the release of The Jazz Singer in 1927. This documentary tells the true story of the birth of sound cinema. This thrilling adventure was a genuine technical and artistic saga, whose origins date back to before the birth of cinema. Films rented with a live singer, piano accompaniment, sound-effects machines and Edison’s synchronized phonograph not to mention Camille Saint–Saëns and even Mussolini—we discover a host of processes and a sometimes unusual cast of characters who all contributed one way or another to this great adventure.

France - 2003 - 52 mn - DV Cam - Colour and B&W

Director Eric Lange Editing Eric Lange Music Neil Brand

Production Lobster Films, 13 rue Lacharrière, 75011 Paris, France Tél : +33 (0)1 4338 6969 Fax : +33 (0)1 4357 2605 E-mail : lobster@lobsterfilms.com Co-Production Histoire

Sales Lobster Films, 13 rue Lacharrière, 75011 Paris, France Tél : +33 (0)1 4338 6969 Fax : +33 (0)1 4357 2605 E-mail : lobster@lobsterfilms.com