Talking pictures : how they are made and how to appreciate them (1937)

Motion Picture Research a dinner. Among other slang phrases of the time were "A wink of the balmy," (sleep) and "Kool the namesclop." (Look out for the policeman!) 5. In what year was gold discovered in California? Ans. The accepted belief that gold was first discovered near Sacramento in 1849 is incorrect. In 1840 first evidences were found in a canyon not far north of Los Angeles. 6. Were cats used during the World War to warn soldiers and sailors of poison gas? Ans. This question was asked as part of research for Seventh Heaven. Near the close of the war cats wTere used for this purpose, particularly in submarines, but canaries wTere considered better "barometers" to measure the presence of gas in dangerous amounts. 7. In the days of Maty, Queen of Scots, did mounted Scottish clansmen wear kilts? Ans. No. They wore long tightly fitting trousers known as "trews." These were probably the forerunner of our jodhpurs. (Asked during research for Mary of Scotland.) 8. Did the first French colonial governor of New Orleans wear a mustache? Ans. No. (Required for Naughty Marietta.) 9. When did sailors of the British navy first use the hand salute? Ans. The question of the British naval salute developed during research for Mutiny on the Bounty. British army soldiers saluted their officers one hundred and fifty years ago, but until Queen Victoria issued an order in 1890, British naval sailors did not salute. They merely lifted their hats in the presence of their officers. [89]