At the Moving Picture Ball
Encyclopedia
"At the Moving Picture Ball" is a popular song composed by Joseph H. Santly and recorded by many artists during the silent film
era. Today the song is best remembered for its unusually topical lyrics, which mention many celebrities of the time. In fact, by 1920, the lyrics of the song had already been changed, since several celebrities mentioned had already lost popularity. Because of this, recordings of the song made back when it was popular are considered to be "time-capsules" and "retro
". Judy Garland
performed the song on the 1963 TV series, The Judy Garland Show
, during a "tribute to vaudeville". It has also been covered by some modern artists, usually as a novelty.
Silent film
A silent film is a film with no synchronized recorded sound, especially with no spoken dialogue. In silent films for entertainment the dialogue is transmitted through muted gestures, pantomime and title cards...
era. Today the song is best remembered for its unusually topical lyrics, which mention many celebrities of the time. In fact, by 1920, the lyrics of the song had already been changed, since several celebrities mentioned had already lost popularity. Because of this, recordings of the song made back when it was popular are considered to be "time-capsules" and "retro
Retro
Retro is a culturally outdated or aged style, trend, mode, or fashion, from the overall postmodern past, that has since that time become functionally or superficially the norm once again. The use of "retro" style iconography and imagery interjected into post-modern art, advertising, mass media, etc...
". Judy Garland
Judy Garland
Judy Garland was an American actress and singer. Through a career that spanned 45 of her 47 years and for her renowned contralto voice, she attained international stardom as an actress in musical and dramatic roles, as a recording artist and on the concert stage...
performed the song on the 1963 TV series, The Judy Garland Show
The Judy Garland Show
The Judy Garland Show is an American musical variety television series that aired on CBS on Sunday nights during the 1963-1964 television season. Despite a sometimes stormy relationship with Judy Garland, CBS had found success with several television specials featuring the star...
, during a "tribute to vaudeville". It has also been covered by some modern artists, usually as a novelty.