Which director is associated with the transition of silent film to talkies through their innovative use of sound?

D.W. Griffith is closely associated with significant advancements in early film, particularly in narrative and technical innovation. While he is more famously known for his work in silent films, his involvement in the transition to "talkies" was marked by his willingness to experiment with sound and understand its potential impact on storytelling.

In contrast to Griffith, Orson Welles is known for his groundbreaking work in sound with films like "Citizen Kane," which came long after the silent film era, as well as Alfred Hitchcock who was recognized for his mastery of suspense and visual storytelling rather than pioneering sound. John Ford, famous for his westerns and epic storytelling, primarily focused on narrative rather than technological innovation in sound. Therefore, Griffith's role in the early phase of film-making, especially his innovative approaches, makes him a significant figure in the history of motion pictures during this crucial transition from silent films to talkies.