The conductor starts the opera by ticking with his baton on his lectern, in order to gain the orchestra's attention; this is probably a reference to renowned conductor Arturo Toscanini, who was known for this habit. Since Toscanini was very popular in 1935, and had been principal conductor of the Metropolitan Opera from 1908 to 1915, this is most probably a parody of his conducting style. Uncoincidentally, John St. Polis, who plays the conductor, has a certain physical resemblance to Toscanini.

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