Mudcat Café message #2769928

The Mudcat Café ^TM
Thread #125186 Message #2769928
Posted By: Bob the Postman
20-Nov-09 - 01:40 PM
Thread Name: BS: P.G.Wodehouse slang query.
Subject: RE: BS: P.G.Wodehouse slang query.

It might refer to an effect used in early motion pictures, where a transition was indicated by closing the iris of the camera lens on one scene and opening it on another--rather like closing and opening the proscenium curtains on a stage play.