The Voice That Thrilled the World 1943
Dive into the fascinating origins of sound in cinema with *The Voice That Thrilled the World* (1943), a concise yet illuminating documentary directed by Jean Negulesco.
Director: Jean Negulesco
Cast
Art Gilmore
Narrator (voice)
Sheldon Jett
Audience Member (uncredited)
Harold Miller
Audience Member (uncredited)
Edwin Tuttle
Audience Member (uncredited)
Giovanni Martinelli
Canio in 'Pagliacci' (segment 'Vesti la giubba') (archive footage)
George Arliss
Self (segment 'Disraeli') (archive footage)
John Barrymore
Self (segments 'Don Juan' & 'Richard III') (archive footage)
Eugenie Besserer
Self (segment 'The Jazz Singer') (archive footage)
James Cagney
Self (segment 'Yankee Doodle Dandy') (archive footage)
Jeanne Cagney
Self (segment 'Yankee Doodle Dandy') (archive footage)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Voice That Thrilled the World (1943) about?
This short documentary explores the pioneering era of sound in motion pictures, beginning with 19th-century experiments and showcasing early talkies that transformed cinema forever. It's a celebration of how audio reshaped the art of filmmaking.
Who directed The Voice That Thrilled the World?
The film was directed by Jean Negulesco, a Romanian-American filmmaker known for his work in both classic and documentary cinema.
Who stars in The Voice That Thrilled the World?
The documentary features narration by Art Gilmore, along with appearances by Sheldon Jett, Giovanni Martinelli, and George Arliss among others.
Is The Voice That Thrilled the World (1943) worth watching?
As a concise historical documentary, it offers a unique look at the birth of sound in films, making it a hidden gem for cinephiles. While short, its nostalgic value and educational insights make it well worth a watch for fans of early cinema.
How long is The Voice That Thrilled the World?
The runtime is 18 minutes.
About The Voice That Thrilled the World (1943) — The Evolution of Sound in Cinema
Dive into the fascinating origins of sound in cinema with *The Voice That Thrilled the World* (1943), a concise yet illuminating documentary directed by Jean Negulesco. This 18-minute short traces the evolution of audio in films, starting with French scientist Léon Scott's groundbreaking experiments in 1857. Through rare clips from early sound pictures, the film captures the magic of how movies transitioned from silent to talkies, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the technology that revolutionized storytelling. Directed with precision, the documentary blends historical context with cinematic nostalgia, making it a must-watch for film enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Narrated by Art Gilmore, *The Voice That Thrilled the World* features key figures like Giovanni Martinelli and George Arliss, whose contributions brought early sound films to life. The atmospheric tone reflects the awe-inspiring moment when audiences first heard voices on screen—a pivotal chapter in motion picture history.
