The essential car wash.

[Tony Griffiths]

The middle-page spread from the just-published VSCC Light Car Journal. The man in the car, wearing a monocle, is George Clark from "Darling I Love You" starring George Clark, Neil McKay, Vera Lennox and Harold Fren.
https://www.britishpathe.com/asset/56949/

[Andy Bennett]

I can't decide if it's good old harmless seaside postcard fun or the groundwork for Jimmy Saville etc...either way it makes me uncomfortable.

[Tony Griffiths]

I can't decide if it's good old harmless seaside postcard fun or the groundwork for Jimmy Saville etc...either way it makes me uncomfortable.

Did you watch the video? It's good, harmless fun (though not so harmless if he drove off the stage, of course). In those days, all plays and similar productions were subject to a close examination by the Lord Chamberlain, the official censor, who was in charge of an office, "The Examiner of Plays," active from 1737 to 1968. Details at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licensing_Act_1737

[Chris KC]

Love the photo Tony. It very much reflects how car washing is conducted in my own household (that is to say, half a dozen beautiful assistants, or not at all...)

Speaking as a photographer, it's driving me nuts though - anyone else think that might be 6 images of the same woman pasted together? They didn't have Photoshop in 1930 but photo-trickery is almost as old as photography itself.

The British Pathé site is a blast - how about "HILL CLIMB ACES AT SHELSLEY WALSH" (1938):
https://www.britishpathe.com/asset/151209/
(n.b. Turn sound WAY up before viewing!)

[Tony Griffiths]

The picture appears posed and to have been taken backstage - the harsh light from the flash is evident on the leg of one girl and the white-painted wheels. The various stage curtains can be seen hanging on the right-hand side - No. 28 labelled "7 cloth", which might, or might not, be a coincidence or definitely related to the production.