This is not based on any formal research, but my understanding is that "previews" are called "trailers" because back in the days of movie palaces, lengthy film programs, and continuous performances, previews were shown after the feature. They "trailed" it. Although this practice ended in the sixties with the coming of suburban theaters and noncontinuous showings, the term stuck. However, my sense is that "trailer" is an "inside" industry term; popularly, they're previews. ---- To signoff SCREEN-L, e-mail [log in to unmask] and put SIGNOFF SCREEN-L in the message. Problems? Contact [log in to unmask]