The Word Machine (1937)

Titles read: “THE WORD MACHINE“. Diagrams explain cave paintings; live action of early typewriters. M/Ss of reproduction drawings of prehistoric cave paintings, mostly of animals, referring to hunting. Commentator says the ’cup’ and ’ring’ shapes are said to represent astronomical forms and have been found in Scotland. More drawings show the hieroglyphics on Egyptian statues. Brief M/S of Cleopatra’s Needle on the Embankment in London; C/U shows the hieroglyphics on the monument. A drawing of a knife, broom and club illustrates how, in Sumatra, little wooden models are used to convey messages, meaning “I have been hunting with my knife“ etc. Drawing of a stylus, used by the Romans for writing on wax. We then see several writing machines or early typewriters at London’s Science Museum being demonstrated by a woman. Last shot is of a drawing showing a caveman staring at a big stone tablet, on which is written “Dear Edred / NO / Elfreda“. FILM ID: A VIDEO FROM BRITISH PATHÉ. EXPLORE