My grandfather (Chris White) was the young manager of the Electric Theatre in 1919. A story in the local newspaper at the time reported a local war hero, Charlie Noakes, who was struck dumb with shell shock during the 1st World War and suffered other injuries. He was so overcome with emotion as he tried to laugh at a comedy film Her Movie Madness his power of speech returned. Amazed, he caused a stir as he cried out, “I have regained my speech….thank God,” then knelt down and prayed. Up to that time he was forced to communicate with the aid of a slate and some chalk.
My grandfather (Chris White) was the young manager of the Electric Theatre in 1919. A story in the local newspaper at the time reported a local war hero, Charlie Noakes, who was struck dumb with shell shock during the 1st World War and suffered other injuries. He was so overcome with emotion as he tried to laugh at a comedy film Her Movie Madness his power of speech returned. Amazed, he caused a stir as he cried out, “I have regained my speech….thank God,” then knelt down and prayed. Up to that time he was forced to communicate with the aid of a slate and some chalk.