Movie Pests (1944)

Pete Smith rather sarcastically narrates this jovially scored comedy that illustrates just what annoys us about fellow cinema goers. Firstly, we have a pair of latecomers who can't agree on where to sit. Of course one if not both wear a nice big hat and couldn't be quiet if their lives depended on it. Next, we have another (larger) fellow who just barges his way into a spare seat, mid-row, and then casually goes about undressing and spreading himself forcefully, endangering just about everyone within a 20 foot radius. Chewing gum under the seat is another classic faux pas, then there's the knee in the back of your chair brigade who are well represented as are the death-trap, feet sticking into the aisle, folks and those who munch their way through the film with a noise usually reserved for those doing all of their Christmas unwrapping at once! Ought they to be in jail or perhaps we could imagine more appropriate punishments. Chains? Scissors? Choking? Foot-stamping? I loved this - and though it does rather labour the joke, it sums up so much of the thoughtlessness that goes on in cinemas by ignorant people who forget they are no longer in their living rooms - or who simply don't care. Luckily this was made before the advent of the mobile phone, on whom I fear Mr. Smith may have employed a Gattling gun. I would, too.