Scottish Film 'Till the Bells Ring' May Predate 'The Jazz Singer' as First Talkie
In October 1926, the Scottish feature film, Till the Bells Ring, debuted in Edinburgh, just one year prior to the release of The Jazz Singer. This discovery was made by historian Marc David Jacobs during his investigation into early British sound cinema. The film, a domestic comedy set in Glasgow, was penned by Graham Moffat and showcased his touring company, which included his wife, Margaret, and daughter, Winifred, speaking in 'lowland braid Scots.' Moffat not only directed but also starred alongside his wife, Maggie. Although it was described as a 'super talking picture … of Victorian family life' and received favorable reviews, it faded from memory after a week at Poole's Synod Hall. Two reels remain preserved in the BFI National Archives, and Jacobs aims to present them as the centenary nears.
Key facts
- Till the Bells Ring premiered in Edinburgh in October 1926, a year before The Jazz Singer.
- The film is 46 minutes long and features synchronised sound and spoken dialogue throughout.
- It was written by Scottish playwright Graham Moffat and performed in 'lowland braid Scots'.
- The film had a week-long run at Poole's Synod Hall in Edinburgh and was never publicly screened again.
- Two reels, more than half the film, survive in the BFI National Archives in Hertfordshire.
- The discovery was made by historian Marc David Jacobs during research for a book on British sound films.
- The Edinburgh Evening News praised the film, stating 'Even America has never attempted such a work'.
- Graham Moffat died in 1951 without making another film.
Entities
Artists
- Marc David Jacobs
- Al Jolson
- Graham Moffat
- Margaret Moffat
- Maggie Moffat
- Winifred Moffat
Institutions
- BFI National Archives
- Edinburgh Evening News
- Traverse Theatre
- National Library of Scotland
- British Library
- AccuSoft Co.
Locations
- Edinburgh
- Scotland
- Glasgow
- London
- New York
- United States
- Hertfordshire
- Poole's Synod Hall
- Coliseum