I’m sure you’re annoyed at that asshole who was talking on his cellphone while you were trying to enjoy Taken 3, but inconsiderate behavior at the movie theater isn’t a recent phenomenon. Far from it! Movie theaters have been gently trying to modify the behavior of uncooperating audience members almost as far back as there have been movies.

These wonderful posters date from circa 1912, you can find them on the Library of Congress website, in the “Prints & Photographs Online Catalog.” The Library of Congress description of these cards runs, “Positive paper print from lantern slide used in motion picture theaters as announcement. Each text superimposed on humorous photograph, and the whole shown in a fancy carved frame.”

The one about applauding with your hands must have been trying to get people not to shout at the screen? Right? Right?
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
via Tombolare