Volume 1: A sound on Wall Street, Xinxiang City is busy copying books Chapter 65: Movie City
Subtitle of this chapter: Not the best but the most expensive!
The technology for sound films had actually been invented long before. In 1900, the first sound film was shown in Paris. Ten years later, reliable synchronous sound technology gradually matured and became commercially available. On August 27, 1910, Edison invented the sound film. In April 1923, the first synchronized sound film was shown in New York.
But it was not until the 1930s that sound films became mainstream. This was because the Jews were really smart and saw at a glance that this new invention could threaten their Hollywood hegemony. Their premonition was not wrong. When they were forced to shoot sound films, many of their stars became the laughing stock of the public because of their accents and voices.
David Griffith, who had been on a downward spiral throughout the 1920s, finally waited for the advent of sound films. In fact, his grand narrative style was very suitable for this new film form. Unfortunately, the "Father of Film" in the 1930s could no longer keep up with the times.
In 1930, Abraham Lincoln was Griffith's first talkie and his penultimate film. It received praise from some critics but received a lukewarm response from audiences. As a result, United Artists terminated Griffith's contract.
In 1931, he independently produced the film "The Struggle". The name of the film itself is the best portrayal of his film career, and the final "struggle" was a complete failure. In the same year, Griffith completely withdrew from the film industry.
Yuan Yan suddenly said in the critical tone that is unique to artists: "David, I don't want this script to be filmed right away. Can it be filmed with the current technology?"
"I didn't make this movie for the general public. How can these newbies get into it?"
"Even the current screening venues don't meet my expectations. My films are not shown in cheap malls and slums."
He waved his arms and used his full emotions to deceive... well, he said: "In my conception, these cinemas must be in the best prime locations, hire famous A-level designers, and build the highest-end buildings! The layout... well, the smallest theater area must be 500 feet!"
"No, it should be called Movie City!"
"What kind of air-conditioning, heating, everything that can be connected to him, there is an open-air cafe upstairs, a French restaurant inside the building, and a big fountain in the middle of the building!"
"The waiters all wear wigs, and they look very gentlemanly. When the audience comes in, no matter if they have something to do or not, they have to say "May I help you sir" to them. They speak with an authentic British Cambridge accent, which makes them look very respectable!"
"There has to be a big parking lot around, and the audience either drives a Lexington or a Maxwell. If you drive a Ford, you'd be embarrassed to say hello to them,"
"How much do you charge for a ticket at a cinema like this? What? Two dollars.? !”
"I am so disappointed with you three. Two dollars is the cost, and the price starts from four dollars! Don't complain that it is too expensive and you don't give a discount. You have to study the consumption psychology of the audience. The audience who are willing to pay two dollars for a movie ticket don't care about paying two dollars more."
"Do you know what a successful person is? A successful person buys the most expensive things instead of the best things! So, the slogan of our cinema is - not the best but the most expensive!"
"Yes, that's right. Every premiere is held in New York or Los Angeles. A long red carpet is laid out at the entrance of the movie city. You filmmakers drive over from afar in extended luxury convertibles. Everyone has to walk the red carpet in evening gowns. There are also a group of reporters nearby. The spotlights are so bright that you can't even open your eyes without sunglasses!"
After hearing his nonsense, Griffith and Miss Gish were stunned. Although they were fascinated by such a scene, they couldn't believe it in their hearts. Mr. Louis Baker showed a thoughtful expression and murmured, "Not the best, but the most expensive!"
"So..." Our Master Yuan pointed at the script in the director's hand and said, " David, don't worry. I'm not in a hurry either..."
Yuan Yan suddenly remembered that he was in a hurry. He wiped the sweat off his head and said loudly, "Oh, it's too stuffy here. I have to go get some fresh air!"
Where should I go to get some fresh air? In the cloakroom or the bathroom? Or in the garden…
He noticed that Holmes was distracted beside him, and leaned over and said in a low voice: "Louis, do me a favor."
"Nio, please do me a favor. The more I think about your words, 'I don't seek the best, but the most expensive', the more it makes sense. Please explain it to me."
Our Master Yuan thought to himself, wow, this guy is worthy of being the grandson of the "Miracle of Wall Street". He actually heard the profound truth contained in this sentence at once.
He patted his chest and said, "OK, no problem. But not today, please lend me the room key."
Holmes was surprised and asked, "How did you know I had booked a room here?"
Zhao Zilong was also shocked and said, "Oh, Mr. Holmes, when did you become Watson? You actually asked such a simple question? Do you think I can't tell that your female companion is..."
Louis Baker blushed and immediately took out the key and said, "Shh, stop talking! Can't I lend it to you?"
Yuan Yan, who had obtained the "key prop", suddenly came to Miss Gish's side, raised his arm very gentlemanly and said, "Shall we?"
The big star lady smiled and not only her hands but also her whole body came close to him.
"Wait, Lillian." At this time, the director suddenly spoke, "Listen to me..."
Waiting for you! Don't say I'm not smart. No matter if you are the "Father of Movies" or not, if you can't make me happy today, I will make you unhappy for the rest of your life.
Fortunately, Griffith did not stop them, but came over and reminded them: "Lillian, don't forget that the train ticket we bought is for midnight departure."
The female star raised her hand and looked at her watch and said, "Okay David, I get it..."
midnight?!
Our Master Yuan also looked at his watch, then pulled Miss Gish and ran away.
"Wait, Nia, why are you in such a hurry?" Cleopatra said angrily, "It's not even nine o'clock yet, we still have three hours."
Hearing this, Yuan Yan suddenly stopped, turned around and looked at the Hollywood star seriously and said: "Ms. Lillian Gish, I have to correct you, we still have three hours..."
"We only have three hours!"
