Up to about 1915, movies were short and programmes were made up to several works. Then D. W. Griffith and others began making longer films which provided the same powerful emotional appeal as did melodrama and presented spectacles far beyond what the theatre could offer Consequently, after World War I increasing numbers of spectators deserted the theatre for the movies.

This trend was accelerated in the late 1920’s as a result of two new elements. In 1927 sound was added to the previously silent film, and thus one of the theatre’s principal claims to superiority vanished. In 1929 a serious economic depression began. Since audiences could go to the movies for a fraction of what it cost to see a play, theatre-going became a luxury which few could afford, especially as the depression deepened.

By the end of World War II, the American theatre had been reduced to about thirty theatres in New York City and a small number of touring companies originating there.