The Modern Screen Magazine (Jun-Sep 1931)

BETWEEN YOU AND ME On this page the editor and readers of MODERN SCREEN have a chance to write frankly about their opinions Dear Friends: You have caught the real spirit behind this department. Your response has made me truly grateful. Don't forget— you can say what you please, favorable or unfavorable, and I will print it if there is room and if your letter seems truly sincere. No prizes are offered. As I have said before, fans write to me because they have something to say. Are you glad that Pola Negri is back? Do you agree with me that Robert Montgomery's elevation to stardom is his just reward for fine work in many roles? Do you disapprove as highly as I do of advertisements being worked into pictures? Does anyone share my opinion that the one actress in pictures who should (and someday will) be starred is ZaSu Pitts? I should like to see Lois Moran given a role on the screen that gives her a real chance, as did her recent stage part in New York, to show what a truly competent and able little actress she is. I should like to see the technique of "The Last Laugh" (the psychological study of one character) applied to a talking picture and I suggest Joseph von Sternberg as the director. I'd be overjoyed to have a Carbo film end happily. 1 think Neil Hamilton is destined to be at the top of the heart-breaker list in the ensuing months. I think Maureen O'Sullivan is better looking off screen than on and that some director and cameraman should give her a break. And to close this opinionated paragraph, I'd like to mention that my biggest moments in movie theatres these days are when one of the "Silly Symphonies" is being shown. By next month I'll have thought up some more. Au revoir. Isn't that just what Joan is doing? It is one thing to publish an article called "Joan Crawford Rebels" by Adele Whitely Fletcher, but quite another to sit clown and read it without feeling the urge of a come-back. In the first place, can anyone possibly fathom a likeness between Joan Crawford and Greta Garbo? It seems to be a fad to find someone who either resembles or is trying to mimic the Great Garbo. Joan Crawford has no more chance of attaining the heights of La Garbo than Clara Bow would have. Just a line to Joan — why burn up your energy and scatter your forces in raving over what is broadcast 12 about yourself? Just be yourself, keep within the boundaries of your own type, aim to make your type distinctive. Mrs. Homer H. Peters, Pueblo, Colorado. Much still being said on both sides Faith Baldwin's article concerning Garbo and Marlene is the cleverest yet to be found in this famous controversy. One can see Miss Baldwin's fairness and knowledge in analyzing these stars. Oh ! would that onlyhalf of the fans would see that those two are not alike and are not trying to be ! Greta is fascinating in her cold glamor and alluring awkwardness. Marlene is heavenly in her com plete womanliness, with all the feminine wiles and charms present in her being. And while talking of the matchless Marlene, let me give bouquets and deep admiration to the marvelous Elissa Landi . . . her performance in "Body and Soul" was magnificent and her strange beauty is extraordinarily impressive. Diana T. Schroeder, Houston, Texas. All right, Mary, "what do you want for a dime?" In your new magazine, do we have to take the bad with the good ? The interesting with the dull? Faith Baldwin may disagree with Elinor Glyn as to the screen's most attractive man, but who cares ? Your readers have minds of their own. Tell us about our movie idols, but please, please don't dish us personal opinions and expect us to eat them up with much enthusiasm. The future is certainly coming for its all. Why guess at Robert Montgomery's or Marlene Dietrich's? The present is complicated and interesting enough to worry with. Modern Screen is certainly sprouting all the earmarks of a successful magazine. And legitimately, too. Would it be too much to ask for more such exquisite pictures as that of Norma Talmadge in the March issue? And more pictures of the stars' wardrobes? And more fashions? And more film gossip? I — I'm sure I represent a large group of fan readers — enjoy them so. There's never enough to these departments. If this letter is published, will you head it "What do you want for a dime ?" Mary Ray Little, Cincinnati, Ohio. We'll have to struggle along with two or three fashion departments for a while, Nancy (See pages 70 and 92 in this issue) In the Modern Screen Magazine there isn't enough about styles — not only dresses, but coats, shoes and so forth. (Continued on page 114)