Note on Moviegoing Etiquette

Note on Moviegoing Etiquette

Early movie going in Columbia involved not only coming to grips with a new technology and but also learning proper behavior inside the theaters. Take a look at the article “Silence and Fun at the Movies” which appeared in The State newspaper in 1920. The author calls for silence in the theaters, saying the constant talking and hollering disturbs the movie for others. The article then goes on to state that, even worse, people in the South tend to elevate their legs and feet as much as possible. The article also complains about a growing number of moviegoers making noises such as whistling along to the music, tapping their feet to the rhythm, crunching peanuts, and reading aloud titles on the screen. The fact that it was not common for it to be quiet inside the theaters surprised me. The article's complaint suggests a growing division within the audience. While some raised their feet and crunched their peanuts, others were engrossed in the storyline, much like we expect to be today.

Marc Kulaszewski

2015-11-12