Titles with the Quivers

[sc1957]

Why do many original silent film titles have the shakes? Was the equipment they had for filming titles really that bad, when the actual film is generally rock solid? Please don't tell me that the people who held the titles up for filming got tired hands.

[Bob Birchard]

Movement in titles is largely caused by film shrinkage through the years, and titles tend to shrink at different rates than picture because there is either more emulsion (in prints) or less emulsion (in negative) relative to the picture footage. Also, with a practiced eye I'mm sure you'd come to note movement in the picture on these films you're describing, as well. You just aren't as aware of it because the action is moving on screen, which takes your eye away from the relative movement of the frame. Everything shot after about 1912 would have been rock steady in brand new prints.

[Scoundrel]

Then you have titles that intentionally shake.

The "HELP" title card in THE CAT AND THE CANARY comes to mind.