The Cine Technician (1953-1956)

December, 1953 THE CINE-TECHNICIAN 163 ". . . inseparable secretary to a Member of the House of Lords . . ." fun trying to imagine which of all the solemn and dignified gentlemen in silk hats and black suits were stockbrokers or underwriters and which exported festive goods, or imported tea. In the West End, I spent two days with a brassiere company with elegant offices and curious vocabulary; a builder and decorator in a mews wrestling with schemes for the embellishment of the homes of the rich and famous, and left there quite expert in the estimation and costing of acres of wallpaper, gallons of paint and knowing many workmen who dangle in cradles from the sides of buildings. Lately, in despair at an industry that never makes enough films to enable me to spend more time in it, and to prevent myself from pining too much about this, I have sought jobs of a more absorbing kind. I spent a few weeks as a Medical Secretary at the Brompton Hospital and by the time I left was able to type reports without reference to the medical dictionary, l think I worked for the late King's physician there. A glossy fashion magazine, aiming to develop our export trade in fabrics and haberdashery, provided my next six weeks' work, and although I didn't actually become personally acquainted with Mr. Dior or Mr. Hartnell I had a very good idea of what the well-dressed " American 400 " was, or should have been, wearing. I left in order to receive and catalogue exhibits for an art exhibition. Then came a short spell on a left-wing Sunday newspaper, during which time I discovered more about King's Cross and the markets and cobbled streets of Islington than about Moscow. Recently my nomadic activities in the wilderness were interrupted by yet another flying leap into a breach — this time in Filmland, for which I wrenched myself away from a lawyer of some eminence. After a joyous interlude in the Studio as secretary to a Hollywood director, where I became acquainted with all that is cordial and engaging in Trans-Atlantic life (although I had no part in the production), I now find myself deeply absorbed in Debrett's, " Who's Who " and Dod's " Parliamentary Companion," from which I am inseparable as secretary to a prominent member of the House of Lords. But I am still a Production Secretary and have not forgotten how to do Call Sheets, Progress Reports and Schedules, and know all about lenses, camera angles and jig-saw puzzles, but, unfortunately, I not know how to play chess. So, though in time I shall probably know "Debrett's" and Dod's "Parliamentary Companion" by heart, I shall continue to scan Cine-Technician and Today's Cinema with special attention to Willie's studio news of still-born productions. ^Editor's Note : Jimmy Land drew the pictures. His interpretations are not necessarily those intended by Miss Anderson, nor is the beautiful blonde intended to be her.~\ George Elvin writes: /CHRISTMAS and New Year Greetings to all A.C.T. members. The coming year won't be easy. What year ever was ? I remember that this time sixteen years ago " The Cine-Technician " featured an article " A Christmas call from the Workhouse." Articles inspired by the same theme could have been justified ynost years. Alternating slump and boom — with more slump than boom — are inseparable features of the 50-year history of British films. But we hope that no one will be unable to celebrate Christmas in the traditional way and that those members who have found 1953 somewhat lean will have cause to remember 1954 with greater pleasure. (Turn to page 169) LAB NOTES— continued Jimmy Alger, in particular, played a brilliant game in goal, and it was indeed unfortunate that the penalty by which Kodak won the match should have been given against him. Although hotly disputed by our team, it was generally agreed that the better team won. Good luck, Kodak, until you meet Humphries. Having a number of keen sportsmen here, it is unfortunate our firm offers no facilities for either indoor or outdoor sports. Two table tennis teams are run in which Lab members figure prominently, all games having to be played away from home. We are always hoping that times will change — that encouragement and support will be forthcoming. Congratulations to Freddie Charles, projectionistviewer, writes Stan Warbey, on becoming a fatherin-law, when his daughter, Margaret, was married at Aldenham a short while ago. Apart from the wedding Freddie has once again done exceedingly well in disposing of (with his daughter's co-operation) at least seven books of A.C.T. Benevolent Fund Christmas Draw tickets. I hope that all of you have made an extra effort this year to do likewise. Once again the Staff of Associated British-Pathe Ltd. will be the guests of the Board of Directors at a party to be held at the Caxton Hall, Westminster, on Friday, 8th January, 1954. Since their inception three years ago these parties have been a huge success, with dancing, games, cabaret, prizes, food and drink for all to enjoy and it is, of course, a grand opportunity for the Elstree and Wardour Street laboratories to get together and chat over old times. Each year the theme of the evening changes and the hall is appropriately decorated. The organising committee, nominated by the Board, represents every department in the Company and has some more surprises for everyone's enjoyment. May I, through these columns, hope that everyone will enjoy all the pleasures that Christmas brings, and in the New Year that we may attain a greater security of employment and the contentment it will bring for all technicians throughout the film industry.