Motion Picture Magazine (Aug 1928-Jan 1929)

Life omseiQV Miss Fazenda's Real Profession Is That of Soul -Doctor Extraordinary By Helen Louise Walker THIS is not a press-agent yarn. This is not a story, fabricated by an expert for the purpose of making a player appear a Pollyanna, bathed in sweetness and light, prattling sentimental platitudes, for the edification of the dwellers in Mr. H. L. Mencken's celebrated Bible Belt. Those moral citizens whose regular weekly fifty cents, spent in the neighborhood motion picture theater, is responsible for the player's salary. And incidentally, also for the salary of the press agent ! This is the story of a real girl. A girl who was not afraid to make herself grotesque that the public might laugh. A girl whose right arm is an inch and a half longer than her left, from trudging to and from studios over long years, carrying a heavy make-up case. A girl who has taken a thousand funny falls, and enough custard pies in the face to feed a large family for a year of Sunday dinners. A girl whose memory of her own lonely, poverty-sad youth, whose innate friendly curiosity about people, has made her the friend of all the lonely, sad, bewildered people she can find in this tawdry, seething, struggling city. This is a story about Louise Fazenda. Queen of laughter. Gorgeous clown. Mime extraordinary. A naughty, feminine Pan whose eyes brim with real, unadulterated mirth as she caricatures the human pageant on the screen. And underneath the grease paint and the jester's cap and bells is a woman whose biggest ambition is to be a doctor of human souls. A Profession of Friendship Qoyou know what I want to do?" she confided. "Well — you know — I have a knack, I think, of get ing people's confidence. They tell me things about them elves and ask for my advice. And I love it ! "Some day when I am through with pictures I want to Reducing herself is only an occasional and seemingly unnecessary effort of Louise Fazenda's. Her main occupation is reducing audiences to hysterics. And when she's through with that, she spends her time — and money — reducing the hardships of all she can make a regular business of being friendly to people. I mean talking over their problems with them and advising them, trying to clear up things in their minds and help them to get a clear perspective on life. I don't mean charity — just giving away money. Anyone can do that. But there are so many people who are lonely and confused and who need to talk to someone — someone friendly. "People come to me now. But I feel that I do not have enough time to do them justice, although I love to do what I can." It was obvious that she did what she could. As we sat together on the set at First National, we were interrupted constantly by people who came to tell her of their little affairs. An old man who told her that his daughter was better. Louise rejoiced with him. A girl who wanted to ask Miss Fazenda about something. Did she remember? Louise remembered and looked concerned. A boy with a dog that had learned a new trick and must do it for Louise, amid applause which sent his master away beaming. A pale woman who was worried about Ella. Louise would talk to her after a while. A little boy who whispered of his love for the beautiful teacher with the beautiful red hat. A prop man whose young wife had achieved a "real part in a big picture this time — thanks to you, Miss Fazenda!" (Continued on page 114) 71