From Silents to Sound: A Biographical Encyclopedia of Performers Who Made the Transition to Talking Pictures

Garbo talked, Gilbert self-destructed and Chaplin refused-that's about all many people know about silent film actors who faced the transition into talking pictures. Yes, Greta Garbo's talkie debut was successful, John Gilbert's was disastrous, and Charlie Chaplin did not deign to make one for over a decade. But there were many others-both stars and lesser lights-who also made the leap for at least one talking film. From Renee Adoree to Loretta Young, over 500 performers who made at least three silent films and had some starring or supporting roles in sound films are included here. Given for each are birthplace, vital dates, nicknames if any, real name if different from stage name, source for filmographic data, and capsule account of the performer's silent and sound careers. Read more