Today’s audiences would not recognise the cinema of 1914. Early 20th century cinema-goers saw a series of short fiction and non-fiction films, comedies or dramas; the “star” feature would be a “two-reeler” not more than 20 minutes long. The program also included newsreels, national and international, and sometimes ‘topical’ news films showing events of local interest filmed by and for the local cinema. By the war’s end in 1918/1919, cinema’s ‘classical’ format was established: a feature length film of around 80 to 90 minutes, accompanied by advertising, short films and a newsreel or two.

Similarly, the aural experience was different as well. However, while films of the era had no recorded sound, the viewing experience was not silent. Musical and sound accompaniments were almost always supplied by a pianist or an “orchestra”, defined as two instruments or more. Orchestra members would also add sound effects. It was also not unusual for a lecturer, or raconteur, to accompany educational or topical films, and provide a spoken commentary; this was particularly common when travelogues, or in our case films from the front, were shown. Spectators were more raucous as well, with plenty of cheering for the heroes and booing of the villains as they appeared on the screen.