What was a major criticism of the vitaphone system?

The criticism regarding the vitaphone system as being viewed by Broadway enthusiasts as a step backwards and a toy stems from the sentiments of established theater professionals during the transition to sound in film. Broadway artists and audiences had a rich tradition of live musical performances, and the introduction of vitaphone, which allowed for synchronized sound in films, raised concerns that it would detract from the artistry and immediacy of live theater. They perceived the technology as trivializing their craft, as it seemed to convert high art into something more commercial and less prestigious. As a result, many viewed the advancement as a regression from the elevated standards of live performances, rather than a genuine evolution of cinematic art.

This perspective reflects broader anxieties in the entertainment industry at the time, where the innovations in filmmaking prompted debates about artistic integrity and the preservation of theatrical traditions. The apprehensions expressed by Broadway enthusiasts encapsulated their fear that the magic of live performance would be undermined by the mechanical reproduction of sound and music in films.