Poems and Pancakes (Gemini Studios) - Flashcards

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A set of practice flashcards capturing key people, places, terms, and events from the lecture text Poets and Pancakes about Gemini Studios and its milieu.

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16 Terms

1
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Where and when was Gemini Studios founded, and by whom?

Located in Chennai (Madras), established in 1940; founded by S. S. Vasan.

2
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What was Asokamitran’s job at Gemini Studios?

To cut out newspaper clippings and file them; though he performed a seemingly insignificant task, he was highly informed.

3
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What does 'Pancake' refer to in the text?

A make-up material brand used by Gemini Studios.

4
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Describe the make-up room’s location and its notable setting.

In the upstairs of a building believed to be Robert Clive’s stables; noted for its many large mirrors and incandescent lights.

5
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Name the nationalities represented in the make-up department to illustrate national integration.

Bengali (head), Maharashtrian, Dharwar Kannadiga, Andhra, Madras Indian Christian, Anglo-Burmese, and Tamils.

6
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What was the role of the 'office boy' during crowd-shooting days?

He mixed paint in a giant vessel and slapped it on the crowd players; he handled the crowd makeup tasks.

7
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Who is Subbu and why is he pivotal at Gemini Studios?

Kothamangalam Subbu, the No. 2 at Gemini; a multi-talented poet, writer, and actor who could be commanded to craft and direct scenes, greatly shaping Gemini’s golden years.

8
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List four capabilities or roles attributed to Subbu in the text.

Poet; writer/creative contributor; actor; generator of creative solutions and direction (tailor-made for films).

9
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What was the 'Story Department' and why was the 'opposite' familiar to people?

A unit consisting of a lawyer and writers; the lawyer was called the opposite because of his formal, logical demeanor and attire (coat of mail) in contrast to the dreamier staff.

10
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Which poets were noted as frequent visitors to Gemini Studios?

S. D. S. Yogiar, Sangu Subramanyam, Krishna Sastry, and Harindranath Chattopadhyaya.

11
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What was Moral Re-Armament (MRA) and how did Gemini respond to it?

A 1952 movement visiting Madras; MRA staged plays like Jotham Valley and The Forgotten Factor; Gemini hosted around 200 people and the Boss’s actions suggested alignment with or use of MRA perspectives.

12
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Who was the English visitor to the studios, and how did the author learn his identity?

Stephen Spender; the author later discovered his identity by finding a copy of The Encounter that named Spender.

13
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What is The Encounter, and who are its six essayists in The God That Failed?

A British periodical; the six essayists are Andre Gide, Richard Wright, Ignazio Silone, Arthur Koestler, Louis Fischer, and Stephen Spender.

14
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Why is Stephen Spender’s visit described as an 'unexplained mystery'?

Because the English poet-editor’s presence and talk at a Tamil film studio baffled the staff and did not fit the expected audience or context, leaving the visit unexplained.

15
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16
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What opinion does the narrator express about prose-writing in relation to genius?

Prose-writing is not the true pursuit of a genius; it is the patient, persistent drudge who revises and resubmits manuscripts.