History – Gramophone-lantern recital

In 1931, Arthur Savage wrote to Harold Marsh about having a gramophone-lantern recital in the local church hall. Arthur lived in Pukekawa and was giving Harold seven weeks’ notice so that Harold could arrange a programme of slides before Arthur travelled to Wharehine.

Arthur suggested the programme could be made up of a couple of sets. For instance, ‘The Trumpeter’ –  about a war or similar, with other varied pictures for the beginning, middle and end.  He wrote, “The whole performance could last three hours without the audience sighing and grouching about it.”  They hoped to raise a few shillings, perhaps for Napier earthquake relief

Some people had commented on Arthur receiving money at their first performance.  He explained that this was 4/6d, which paid for gramophone needles, motor-grease and benzene. However, to keep everyone happy he offered his next services free of charge.
Scenes were matched to appropriate records played on Arthur’s gramophone. The programme could include slides of rapids, waterfalls and so forth to ‘The Skater’s Waltz’; ships and waterways to ‘Voices of Spring.’ In between sets he would play popular songs such as ‘Mother Machree’ by the celebrated tenor John McCormack.

Pomp and pageantry went down well with audiences so war scenes, parades and other ceremonial images would be shown accompanied by martial music.  Arthur commented, “I have many new marches.”

Length of playing time came into account when coordinating sounds and slides. Twelve-inch records lasted about 4½ – 5 minutes at 78rpm. Ten-inch records lasted about 4 minutes. Arthur ended his letter with, “… views, towns, scenery, storms, sports and figures can all be put on with music, I have all kinds. We can have about four rehearsals this time instead of half of one.  I appear to be taking a lot for granted about a show in the church, but really I am just making suggestions.”

And so the show went on. Harold Marsh toured far and wide with many magic lantern-slide shows that he had produced.

This year Albertland Museum will have open days on Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27, from 11am to 3pm. Each hour, a different 20-minute show, produced from the W.H. (Harold) Marsh photographic collection, will feature.

Lyn Johnston, Albertland Museum
www.albertland.co.nz