Beginning in the 1910s, the Chicago Tribune published a weekly column of letters written by the city's movie fans. Conducted by the pseudonymous Mae Tinee, the column was titled "Voice of the Movie Fan." Over the years, hundreds of men and women submitted letters to the column, addressing a range of movie-related topics. The majority wrote to express their like or dislike of a particular movie or movie star, some taking issue with one of Miss Tinee's recently published reviews. Others voiced complaints about the state of the city's movie theaters, the decisions of the city's movie censors, or the behavior of other movie theater patrons. When "talkies" appeared on the scene in the late 1920s, Chicagoans wrote in to debate the advantages and disadvantages of the new technology. And a handful used the column to voice their opinions—some positive, some negative—about jazz music and the performances of jazz orchestras at the city's larger movie palaces. The following is a selection of letters published in the "Voice of the Movie Fan" column between 1914 and 1929.
1914
"I Wish to Register...," letter from "Not a Dyspeptic," Chicago Sunday Tribune, 11 October 1914.
"I Noticed Recently...," letter from George Shields, Chicago Sunday Tribune, 22 November 1914.
"I Have Been Eagerly Following...," letter from Betty Thomason, Chicago Sunday Tribune, 6 December 1914.
1915
"Do You Know...," letter from "One Who Doesn't Love Confectionery," Chicago Sunday Tribune, 3 January 1915.
1925
"What's the Big Idea...," letter from J.D.K., Chicago Sunday Tribune, 10 May 1925.
"Ready to Battle,"
Chicago Sunday Times, letter from "Challenge, an exhibitor," 31 May 1925.
1926
"If Not, Why Not?" letter from "Not a Flapper," Chicago Sunday Tribune, 30 May 1926.
1927
"Clocks Wanted in Theaters," letter from Chester E. G., Chicago Sunday Tribune, 1 May 1927.
"Minnie Hates Jazz," letter from Minnie M., Chicago Sunday Tribune, 25 December 1927.
1928
"In Deference to Gangland," letter from C. D., Chicago Sunday Tribune, 1 January 1928.
"Fine Theater, Bum Film," letter from Harry, Chicago Sunday Tribune, 22 January 1928.
"A Plea for Better Music," letter from "A Gentle Admirer," Chicago Sunday Tribune, 6 May 1928.
"Mourns for Paul Ash," letter from Beatrice C., Chicago Sunday Tribune, 20 May 1928.
"About Music in the Movies," letter from "Jazz Derby," Chicago Sunday Tribune, 3 June 1928.
"He Votes for Voices," letter from Bruno C. Kaputska, Jr., Chicago Sunday Tribune, 22 July 1928.
"'Talkies' Tear Away Peace," letter from John McDonald, Jr., Chicago Sunday Tribune, 29 July 1928.
"Praise for Silent Movies," letter from M. Hamilton, Chicago Sunday Tribune, 16 September 1928.
"This Racket Called Music," letter from "A Former Movie Fan," Chicago Sunday Tribune, 30 September 1928.
"Calls Theaters Here Rank," letter from M. B. S., Chicago Sunday Tribune, 21 October 1928.
"Complains of Being Gypped," letter from "Ima Sap," Chicago Sunday Tribune, 11 November 1928.
1929
"On the Side of Sound," letter from Mary M. B., Chicago Sunday Tribune, 3 February 1929.
"Strong for the Band," letter from "Four Oak Parkers," Chicago Sunday Tribune, 3 February 1929.
"You Wimmen Shut Up!" letter from John C. Cox, Chicago Sunday Tribune, 12 May 1929.
"Talk in the Park," letter from Edna M. Stearns, Chicago Sunday Tribune, 19 May 1929.
"As You Have Heard from Me Before...," letter from Louise, Chicago Sunday Tribune, 26 May 1929.
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