2025年5月10日「モバイル英語学習」第878号(1分間英会話): 映画×英語:『Ladies of the Chorus』

Notes
in love (恋している)
on his mind (気にかかること)
anyhow (とにかく)
plain (普通の)
social position (社会的地位)
make any difference (違いを生む)

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Mother:
Yes?

Randy:
It’s me, Mother. May I come in?

Mother:
Well, yes, dear, come in.

Mother:
What are you doing up so early?

Randy:
Couldn’t sleep.

Mother:
Something on your mind? Something you didn’t tell me last night?

Randy:
Yes, and it’s… it’s very important.

Mother:
Randy, you’re in love.

Randy:
How did you know?

Mother:
It’s very simple. You’re just like your father.Every time he had anything on his mind, it was sure to be written on his face.Okay, you’re with me.

Randy:
Well, anyhow, she…

Mother:
Don’t tell me, let me guess.Hazel Langley?

Randy:
No.

Mother:
Myrtis Rogers?

Randy:
No, no.

Mother:
Anne Crawford?

Randy:
No, it’s none of them, Mother.

Mother:
No? Well, then who is it?

Randy:
Peggy. Peggy Martin.

Mother:
The Boston Martins?

Randy:
No, just plain Martin, Mother.
No social position.

Randy:
But does it make any difference as long as Peggy and we love each other?
She’s wonderful. And so is her mother.

Mother:
Well, can’t you tell me something of their background?

Randy:
Background?

Randy:
Uh… I want you to meet them first, and when you get to know them, I’ll tell you all about their background.

Mother:
All right.
…….
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このシーンは映画『Ladies of the Chorus』からの一幕です。映画は、メイ・マーティン(Mae Martin)とペギー・マーティン(Peggy Martin)という母娘が、劇場のコーラス団員として働く姿を描いています。裕福な青年ランディ・キャロル(Randy Carroll)はペギーに惹かれ、積極的にアプローチを始めます。しかし、母のメイは、かつて自分が身分の違いから恋を失った過去があるため、娘にも同じ苦しみを味わってほしくないと心配します。

婚約パーティーの場でペギーの過去が明らかになり、一時は気まずい雰囲気になりますが、ランディの母親が機転を利かせ、自らも「昔はコーラス団員だった」と嘘をつき、息子の選択を後押しします。
その結果、ペギーとランディの恋は家族にも認められ、メイも新たな幸せを見つけることができました。

このシーンのセリフは、ランディと彼の母親の会話です。英語と日本語の字幕が付いています。

2025年5月3日「モバイル英語学習」第877号(英語のエッセイ): The Academy Opens the Door to AI Films

Notes:
nomination – ノミネート;
strike – ストライキ;
emotional – 感情的な、人の心を動かすような感情に関係すること

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The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has made a new rule. Now, films made with AI can win Oscars. They said using AI will not make it easier or harder to get a nomination. But they will still look at how much humans worked on the film.

Some Oscar-winning movies this year already used AI, like fixing an actor’s accent and making singing voices better. The Academy also said that members must watch all the nominated films before they vote. Many people are excited about AI, but some artists and actors are worried. They are afraid AI might take their jobs. After the Hollywood strikes in 2023, new rules were made to protect them.

Some actors like AI, but others warn that it can be used badly. Also, experts say AI is not good at making emotional stories yet.
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