SLANG OF THE TALKIES

Hal Carleton of the Prince Edward Theatre in Sydney reassured an apprehensive public in January 1929, stating that, ‘Everything is being done to eliminate any trace of American accent in “talkies”.’

Talkies were an overnight sensation. The ability to watch and listen to a movie was revolutionary. It was clear that the new technology would change the industry; however, the American accent and slang were far from absent in the films.