Picas Exercises (1956)

London. The Picas exercise machine is demonstrated - great glamour girls and a suave Spanish man show us how it is done. Spanish inventor of the exercise machine Senor Gabriel Alcover Bonnet shows us how it works - he is bare chested and very handsome. A very strenuous looking routine is demonstrated. The device comprises two long poles which are held by a box and can be twisted any which way but loose. Narrator informs us that they are used all over the continent in ballet schools, for remedial exercises and most important - for slimming. Looks difficult and back breaking to me. The showgirls are from the Garrick Theatre and they exercise in unison whilst Gabriel advises. It is a good crazy exercise machine. "A fascinating and ingenious way of keeping fit" states the narrator. Note: no neg exists for this story so has been transferred from print. Print is rather poor quality but the story is really good! Paperwork on file includes proposed commentary for the story and photographs of Gabriel and partner using the invention. Also instructions for using the device. Showgirls are Mary Reynolds, Maureen Hill, Charmain Buchel and Laurence Soupault. They are appearing in the show "La Plume de Ma Tante" at the Garrick. According to paperwork the device is called "Les Piques" on the continent. FILM ID:113.14 FOR LICENSING ENQUIRIES VISIT http://www.britishpathe.com/