PHILADELPHIA MAN FINED FOR READING TITLES ALOUD AT THE MOVIES
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (JFK+50) On October 28, 1923, The Evening Star reports that yesterday Mr. Harry Black was fined $13.50 by Magistrate Fitzgerald for reading the titles aloud when he goes to the movies.
According to the Associated Press, "patrons of the theater complained to the manager."
JFK+50 NOTE
Silent films of the 1890s through 1920s were produced with no synchronized recorded sound. They did include "inter-title cards" which had key lines superimposed on the screen. Silent films were accompanied by live music supplied by piano, organ or small orchestra.
SOURCE
"Read Film Titles Aloud, Silent As Judge Says $13.50," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 28, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
