Arrival and consolidation of the sound film in Monterrey, 1928-1934

Abstract

This article constitutes a work in progress that aims to analyze the socio-cultural impact of the development of talkies in the city of Monterrey from 1928 to 1934, a period known as “El Maximato”. Through a documentary analysis, I investigated the aspects that conditioned the arrival of the talkies and how they came to be consolidated among the Monterrey society, determining the local film culture. I determined that the so-called “Sound Revolution” aroused criticism among some social groups, who denied the constant changes that the show presented. However, others were enthusiastic about achieving the consolidation of talkies, reflected in the expansion and modification of movie theaters and changes in the distribution structure and cinematographic exhibition. Although the acceptance of talkies among the people of Monterrey appeared gradually, this fact reinforced the success of the cinema, modifying the way of attending and watching films in the city.