By 1930, talking motion pictures had become almost necessary for commercial success. The cinema had had more than 30 years to develop and perfect the method of conveying a drama without dialogue. The art of the silent cinema then disappeared, for the sound cinema has very different requirements. It was an art form that is very beautiful. The purpose of this course is to show examples of films in which that art form was developing and had reached a very sophisticated level. We will see whole films and if they are less than two hours we will have shorts. If more than two hours (and many of the best are) we will hold a longer class to see the complete film. Each film is accompanied by programme notes which are intended to give information. This year we may watch a couple of very early talkies.