What was the first known use of the phrase "It's curtains", commonly heard in gangster movies of the 1920s and 30s?
Question #148387. Asked by TriviaFan22.
Last updated Apr 05 2021.
Originally posted Apr 05 2021 4:16 AM.
looney_tunes
Answer has 2 votes
looney_tunes Moderator 19 year member
3326 replies
Answer has 2 votes.
The phrase has been around for a long time, and is derived from the theatre, where the end of a performance is traditionally signalled by the dropping or closing of a curtain. In the script, the final stage direction usually reads "Curtain", indicating that everything is finished. Its popular use (either as a threat or in a more joking fashion) stems from its widespread use in movies, but I have been unable to locate the first movie to use the phrase. Or, indeed, any specific example - it's just one of those phrases everyone knows they heard in a gangster movie!