British Film Institute

As with the same year's The Old Maid's Valentine and Grandma Threading Her Needle, Scandal Over The Teacups is a 'facial', a medium close-up shot designed to showcase the comic potential of people's expressions.

Unlike most of G.A. Smith's previous efforts in the genre, this film features two performers, the one on the right being Laura Bayley, the director's wife (who also played the title role in The Old Maid's Valentine).

There are no titles or visual clues as to the subject of the women's animated conversation, but it's clear from their shocked reactions, sidelong glances and huddled-together whispering that they, at least, believe it to be a matter of some import.

Michael Brooke

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