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.

[Bob Olive]

But why does ‘the chauffeur’ in the colour pic appear to be driving a RHD car, yet seems to be sitting in the passenger seat?

[Tony Griffiths]

But why does ‘the chauffeur’ in the colour pic appear to be driving a RHD car, yet seems to be sitting in the passenger seat?

That's a good question. Might it be that the young lady driver has applied the brakes so hard—note the long black skid marks—that she's been thrown above the windscreen into the arms of what must be her sweetheart, the police constable? Meanwhile, the chauffeur has taken control of the steering wheel.

[Steve kay]

Cloth numbers confirm the backstage location, thuogh it is not usual for cloths, backcloths and flown scenery to be operated at stage level, usualy more often from a fly rail, or fly floor. The hemp ropes can be seen thuogh interesting that they appear to be held by brakes, rather than be wrapped around cleats. Also visiible to the right are the framing for a flat, and a wooden brace to keep it upright. An anorak would like to find out how and why the picture was posed with a certain amount of backstage visible, as opposed to being taken from the auditorium. The whole thing is posed behind scenery, door returns on the pair of double doors and a stencilled name. Which Gaiety Theatre? Probably the Gaiety Theatre in Aldwych, not the Gaiety Theatre in Ayr, so no need for our Scottish adventures to whizz up to investigate, thuogh a photo of Sevens parked outside the stage door would be good to see. Get out more? Oh yes, time to take dogs for a walk.

[falcott]

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!)

Lovely evocative images and sounds in that video, Chris. That bend looks deceptively simple...

[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!)

Lovely evocative images and sounds in that video, Chris. That bend looks deceptively simple...

And hard hats apparently optional!