Etiquette for 1915 Movie Theaters

For the concert or drama everybody is on time, while the picture house is more of a “drop-in” place at any old time. The patrons seem quite willing to arrive for the last of a multiple reel subject and wait over to got the first of it last. For that reason they do not become greatly interested until there is a new subject on... 

Motion Picture News From Elsewhere

PROPER manners in the motion-picture theatre have as yet not been definitely determined. Authorities on the subject agree that it is not proper form to converse in loud tones: but in a general way abide by the etiquette of the concert hall and spoken drama. It is recognized, however, that this is more difficult to adhere to in the picture theatre when screen incidents so frequently occur that are conducive to some side remark that would meet with instant disapproval during the rendition of a symphony or during a theatrical scene when so much depended up on the expression of the actors. 

There is more or less constant confusion in a picture theatre. For the concert or drama everybody is on time, while the picture house is more of a “drop-in” place at any old time. The patrons seem quite willing to arrive for the last of a multiple reel subject and wait over to got the first of it last. For that reason they do not become greatly interested until there is a new subject on. With this situation a constant performance it is natural that many minds should be lax in considering the concentration others may have subjected themselves to. 

Many are so bored, they will enter at any time and remain as quiet as a mouse and if they do not fully grasp the screen subject, they find more or less enjoyment in the musical accompaniment. This lack of consideration for others is the present bane of picture theatres. One can notice this in persons entering a theatre late and keeping up a loud conversation, obscuring the vision of others at both taking a seat and leaving it, and in a multitude of other ways. 

Sometimes the deficiency is due to a lack of house discipline as theater employees are frequently lacking in the proper form. Discussions over the price of gas or what the weather was at this time last year, may be wafted from foyer or projection room while the big resolve of the story is taking place. Some time, perhaps, the situation will be different. One trade paper has suggested, facetiously, that the management provide ear mufflers.— Morning Press, 1915

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