Le Cinématographe de Nestlé et Lever Brothers (juin 1898)
Trois mois après avoir fait une première présentation à Newport, de nouvelles projections sont organisées par les sociétés Lever Bros et Nestlé. Même si son nom n'apparaît pas, c'est H. Spencer Clarke qui est toujours responsable des séances de vues animées. Les soirées ont lieu au Medina Hall, les 20, 21 et 22 juin 1898 :
EXCELLENT ENTERTAINMENTS-were those given at the Medina-hall on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings by one of the concert touring companies of the proprietor Nestle’s milk and Sunlight Soap. The counter-attraction of a circus doubtless militated against the attendance, which was only fair, but the audiences made up in enthusiastic appreciation what they lacked in numbers. A remarkably interesting and realistic exhibition of animated photographs was given, depicting incidents in the Anglo-Australian cricket matches, the last University boat race, a Spanish bull-fight, and stirring London street scenes, including exciting incidents of large fire and the dashing and heroic services of the Fire Brigade. The rendering by the graphophone of popular songs and band music, and also a portion of the late Mr. Gladstone’s last speech in the House of Commons in vigorous denunciation of the House of Lords, was another very entertaining feature of the proceedings, the reproduction of the tone and voice being remarkably clear and distinct. Snatches of ditties sang on the stage before the instrument by persons from the audience were very faithfully repeated and enhanced the interest in the proceedings. The clever humorous musical sketches and pianoforte playing of Mr. Oldbury Brough furnished very pleasing variety.
Isle of Wight County Press and South of England Reporter, Saturday 25 June 1898, p. 8.
Certaines vues appartiennent au répertoire de la Lever Bros. La projection n'est qu'un seul des numéros de ces soirées et on a également droit à des auditions de graphophone.
