The guy in front of the theater with the paddle balls (an obvious 3D gimmick), looks straight at the audience and says: "There's someone with a bag of popcorn!", at which point he bounces the paddle ball straight into your face.
One gets the distinct impression that this film takes place during the first decade of the 20th century, yet popcorn wasn't introduced into the theater circuit until the mid 20's.
Still, the barker's line is a fun departure.
Popcorn had been a popular treat for a very long time by then and was readily available at gatherings. It wouldn't be "out-of-time" for someone at the opening of a museum to have popcorn, and it neatly tied in with those in the audience also having the treat.
*** The trouble with reality is there is no background music. ***
He was talking directly to the audience!
Try watching a Hope and Crosby road film some time!
You could take it that way. But, he could be addressing someone we do not see. They get to play a trick with us in that way.
Yes, I'm aware of Hope & Crosby. But, when they did it, there generally might not have been anyone but the audience. In "HOW", it's just a nifty bit, implying he's addressing a customer but includes the audience.
My family saw this in the theater, and that's how we interpreted it: having a double function.
*** The trouble with reality is there is no background music. ***
This is rapidly becoming a no win situation.
I detest arguing and you seem dead set about doing so.
You win, okay?
I'm removing the post.
Make you happy?
For what it's worth I agree with the other guy. Yes he was talking "to us" as the viewers, but it doubled as talking to the crowd in the movie, where popcorn would easily have been served.
You're over thinking it. It was a pseudo 4th wall breaking.
If you look carefully at the crowd of onlookers during the paddle-ball scene (and especially after he says the line) there actually IS a man eating popcorn in the crowd; thinly justifying the use of the line.
"If you don't know the answer -change the question."