They Made News, Part 1 - body piercer, Mirin Dajo, 1947

The transcript discusses the role of editors in cinema, focusing on a controversial story from 1947 involving a sword thrust demonstration in Switzerland. The demonstration, which involved a sword being thrust through a man's body without harm, was shown in cinemas and sparked public controversy, leading to an incident where a viewer had an epileptic fit. The controversy resulted in the dismissal of a newsletter editor.

What was the primary responsibility of editors in the context of cinema?

• To add more special effects

• To increase the length of films

• To avoid offending people with controversial subjects

• To ensure films were entertaining

In which year did the incident involving a story from Switzerland occur?

• 1947

• 1950

• 1955

• 1945

What unusual event was demonstrated in the film from Switzerland?

• A man walking on fire

• A man holding his breath underwater for an hour

• A man levitating

• A man having a sword thrust through his body without harm

What was the reaction of the audience to the film showing the sword demonstration?

• They were amazed and applauded

• They were indifferent

• A viewer had an epileptic fit

• They demanded a refund

What was the consequence for the newsletter after the controversial film was shown?

• It received an award

• It was banned from cinemas

• It gained more subscribers

• The newsletter editor was fired