The Last Edition - Truth, Love and Duty
George Hamilton, the proprietor of the Chronicle (Louis Payne) decides to write a series of inspirational editorials to counter declining circulation numbers. But with pen in hand and paper in front of him inspiration is hard to find.
Then … Hands clasped behind his back, he starts pacing through the Chronicle building, seen here in the editorial room.
… and Now, 100 years later this is the same room, on the 3rd floor at 901 Mission Street, still being used by the newspaper’s reporting staff.
The editorial room was captured in this 1924 photograph. The pneumatic message delivery tubes near the partition right of center and the desk in the right foreground are the same as in the Then image above. (Photo by Gabriel Moulin).
Then … The workers at the makeup tables who set the editorial stories in text form using individual metal letters try their best to look busy when they see him pass by.
This was filmed in the Chronicle’s composing room, captured here in 1924, most likely on the 2nd floor of 901 Mission Street. CitySleuth was unable to access this space for a matching photo; it was being remodeled when he visited. (Photo by Gabriel Moulin).
Then … Next he marches through the linotype room…
… here’s that same room in 1924. (Photo by Gabriel Moulin). By converting individual letters to complete lines of text using molten alloys, mostly lead, the linotype machines increased printing efficiency significantly. In hindsight one can only shudder at the health hazards to those operators from the molten lead fumes.
Then … And here he’s in the press room passing an array of printing presses…
… the giant presses were in the basement of the Chronicle building. This is the same aisle in 1924 viewed from the opposite direction. (Photo by Gabriel Moulin).
When he overhears Tom on the other side of the press sharing inspirational advice about truth, love and duty with his young assistant, the proprietor eagerly takes it all in.
Tom is invited up to the proprietor’s office. They make strange bedfellows but when prompted to share his philosophy of life Tom is more than happy to oblige.
Later at home, Tom reads the editorial in the paper and is shocked to see his creed, based on Truth, Love and Duty, right there in print with no credit as to the source.