WHY DID OLD MOVIE ACTORS TALK LIKE THAT?
Understanding the Trans-Atlantic Accent
Hollywood loved the accent because it was neutral and would ensure all of the actors in any film would sound similar. You couldn’t tell who was from
If you’ve ever watched an old movie from the ‘30s or ‘40s, you’ve likely noticed that actors like Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn speak with an unusual accent. It sounds very deliberate and almost, but not quite, British. You could be forgiven for thinking it’s just how people talked back then. But for the most part, they didn’t, unless they were rich and famous. The alternately described trans-Atlantic or mid-Atlantic accent was mostly a silver screen phenomenon that took off when actors began speaking in movies. Some people think the trans-Atlantic accent originates in early radio. Others argue it became common among upper-class Americans who wanted to sound more refined and differentiate themselves from the common folk. But it did not become a fixture until the first “talkies” hit movie theaters. However, film actors were not used to speaking on camera, and some struggled with it mightily. Realizing they needed help, many turned to elocution lessons to build their confidence and screen presence. Broadway consultant Edith Skinner taught many young actors, and she even published a book titled “Speak with Distinction” that gained currency with movie studios.
Boston or Texas when everyone spoke the same way. Many insiders also believed it was universal and crossed class lines so rich and poor alike could relate better to the characters. The trans-Atlantic accent eventually became a part of film language, but audiences understood it was an act. Few people knew anyone who spoke like the stars. Soon, doors opened for actors who broke the mold, and Humphrey Bogart and Jimmy Stewart broke down barriers with their unselfconscious, natural delivery. Many imitators made jokes at their expense, but the impact was lasting. The trans-Atlantic accent is now mostly dead, though you may occasionally hear it when actors want to convey that a character is particularly snobbish. If you want to experience the speaking style in action, your best bet is to turn to the classic movies that made it famous. Try films like “Bringing Up Baby” and “Holiday” to watch two of the accent’s greatest practitioners, Grant and Hepburn, wittily trade barbs. Once you get past the funny accent, you’ll likely notice the humor in the films themselves.
Take a Break!
Vegan Pumpkin Bucatini
Inspired by ThisSavoryVegan.com
Ingredients
• 8 oz frozen spinach, unthawed • 2 cloves garlic, diced • 1 tsp fresh thyme • 3 sage leaves, chopped • 4 oz hummus • 4 oz pumpkin purée • Fresh basil, for topping
• 8 oz bucatini pasta • 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes, packaged in oil • 10 oz cherry tomatoes, halved • Salt and pepper • Red pepper flakes, to taste • 1 tsp dried oregano
Directions
1. In a large pot, boil water. Add bucatini pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain when cooked. 2. Heat a pan over medium heat and add sun-dried tomatoes (including 1 tbsp of the oil), cherry tomatoes, a pinch of salt and pepper, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Stir to combine. 3. Cover and cook until tomatoes are soft (about 5 minutes). 4. Add frozen spinach and cover again (2–3 minutes). 5. Add the garlic, thyme, sage, hummus, and pumpkin purée to the pan and stir. 6. Once warm and bubbly, turn off heat and mix in the pasta. 7. Top with basil, serve, and enjoy!
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