Have you ever noticed that actors appear IN movies and ON t.v. shows?

[jackelope72]

I mean, you'll never hear anybody say, "Oh, yeah, Marlon Brando played Stanley _ON_ A Streetcar Named Desire" or "Marisa Tomei won an Oscar for her supporting role _ON_ My Cousin Vinnie".

I've occasionally heard people say something like "Matthew Fox was the oldest sibling _IN_ Party of Five" or "Mariska Hargitay is the female detective _IN_ Law and Order SVU"

But usually people use the word ON when referring to t.v. shows and IN when referring to movies.

Why is that, I wonder?

[Lisa]

1. could it be related to "appearing in a play"?

The movies have a longer tradition in our culture than TV does, and more of a connection with the stage?

Funny to think that, as far as the type of projection involved, "on" would actually be more accurate for movies (generally projected onto a screen) -- which TV images are "in" the tube (projected onto the inside of it).

[jeff30997]

2. It makes you think...

[formerrepuke]

3. TV and Radio people are 'on' the air; For movies, 'in' a theater.

[Shell Beau]

4. B/c I think we get more involved with TV characters since

we tune in each week for years to see them. We identify them with that role and that role only. I will always think of George Costanza no matter what else Jason Alexander does.

[edbermac]

5. Ever notice how people say "Get ON the airplane?"

SCREW THAT!

I'm getting IN!

:crazy: