If I Had a Talking Picture of You (1929)

Sung by Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell. Music by Ray Henderson.

• Category

  Film & Animation

[smilepogo2]

I love them. She's so cute and he's so handsome!

[mmdillon1]

I think you've got it backwards, ChristophePhilippe. These folks knew that reality, modern or otherwise, was to be avoided at all costs. Some of us still find these performances entertaining, because we're happy to abandon modern reality for the idyllic creation of a bygone era , even if it's only for the length of a song.

[wilburbonzo]

they're singing is great compared to those child performers

[Jack Lavender]

Guys! Sing faster you seem a bit mental.

[TheBearcub410]

i love Janet gaynor so much , she had that certain something that could break your heart , thanks so much a gem

[michael kirk]

To be so big and have a baby voice like that.....Geeze!

[ClarasBeau]

Gaynor and Farrell were already a popular screen team in silent films when they were tapped to tackle the talkie challenge, seen here. At the time, many established stars experienced what they called "mike fright", and with your career on the line, I can't say I would have blamed them. Neither star here was much of a singer, really, but I will say this: If medals for bravery were given out, well, I feel certain that their names would be called.

[Roger Voeller]

In the first Western Electric sound system for movies, the soundtrack was on large, heavy records that had to be shipped with the film to the theater. The records played from the inside out (so they would always start at the same point and be in sync with the film. God help the projectionist if someone bumped the turntable or there was a speck of dirt on the record!

[Lostintimes1]

They are so charming that nobody cares how good they are in their singing, now or back then 1929! They are not singers, they are entertainers from the silent medium that jump to a new one having fun singing, and make audiences enjoying. That was their job, and they did it extremely well.

[jsg6532774]

charles farrell was vern albright on my little margie 1952-5

[Paul Harrison]

I remember that scene too, very clever considering talkies were so new.

[TheOneTrueKaliban]

'Enjoy that vinegar you've been drinking, pal?