Esplanade Picture Gardens

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Esplande Picture Gardens The Esplande and William Street, Perth, WA - Early Sound Movies

The Chronomégaphone comes to The Esplanade Picture Gardens

“The chronophone”, first, is designed using simultaneously a projector and a phonograph. Léon Gaumont presents this camera on November 7, 1902 to the French Society of Photography. Three films are presented: a speech by Léon Gaumont, a dance and a piece of music. The leader of the firm is already thinking of a sound amplification by compressed air, which seems to him essential to equip the future big cinemas.

“Elégphone” then arrives on the market; it is a sound amplification system for the chronophone. The film recording system is indeed in two stages: the sound first, then the image where the actor replay in play-back his role. Audiences watch a few minutes of movies, called “phonoscenes” or “talking movies” that show operas, songs or comic little scenes.

The revolution of the Chronomégaphone, 1908-1910. “The chronomégaphone” is the culmination of the synchronism of the image and sound in the cinema. It is improved by a system of sound amplification by compressed air. The sound can be broadcast in large rooms of nearly 4,000 people. These phonemic films are called phono-scenes. 200 will be registered in all.

In 1910, Gaumont studios set up a new direct recording method with sound and image.

The improved chronomégaphone was introduced from 1910 to the public during several demonstrations. The most famous is the one at the Academy of Sciences on December 27, 1910, where for the first time the public sees and hears a cock recorded live. The film “The cock erect” and a scientific explanation of the device by the Professor d'Arsonval, in the form of a speaking portrait are broadcast that day to the general amazement.

The public is attracted by the novelty: the device becomes a real attraction in itself. It is visible in fairs for popular screenings, and in the salons of elites for intimate screenings. The technological aspects of the machine attract more than its artistic qualities. Some see this camera as a step towards immortality - Contributed by Greg Lynch -