Sort of OT

I'm a big fan of old movies, even the old silent ones. These movies are
becoming historical documents with a window into the past. For those of you
attempting to establish the 'look and feel' of early 20th ancestors ignore
the characters and watch the backgrounds. It's amazing the period 'feelings'
you can pick up. Fashions and architecture are the most obvious, but watch
for advertisments and signs too.

squealing...

Presume you have seen the Pathe news archives? Low resolution are free but
a great treasure trove.

If you look hard there are a very few late 19th century films available too.

Phil C....

There's a reasonable chance that there may be silent movie footage of
one of my 3xg aunties. She was half of a comedy double act in the USA
that were particularly noted for their high-speed acrobatic dancing. I
41 then and retired a year later - pretty good going for an acrobatic
dancing.

E-Traveller...

A very good picture, too. My grandfather went from Kingston, Jamaica to
school at Epsom College in 1900. He said he used to go up to London to see a
cousin who was "on the stage". Problem is that he must have had about two
dozen cousins and even into the 1960's would not acknowlege a stage
performed was in the family.

Still looking for the phantom performer, but I may grow very old tracking

Charani...

Maybe you should be looking for a "him" instead? ;))

E-Traveller...

I have the impression, from my cousin who lived with our grandfather that it
was a her, but since neither of us know either a first or last name at this
point I'll keep my options openfor now.

Phil C....

And then you might have to know her/his stage name as well. I was
rather lucky with Rosa Crouch. She started out as "La Petite Rosa" and
was later half of "That Lively Pair" but otherwise has her real name
quoted in press articles. I haven't yet found her as an adult in US
census records, though - I don't know if she had a married name.

her down.

Happy watching
Jim