Motion Picture Story Magazine (Feb-Jul 1912)

140 CHATS WITH THE PLAYERS New England Conservatory of Music, Miss Hawley played on the regular stage before going with the Lubin Company. "Sometimes I miss the footlights and applause," she confessed, "but on the whole I like the Photoplay best. No, I do not dislike rehearsing — it means success. I try to see all the Photoplays in which I appear, and find every chance for improvement." "You dont think your work in 'The Scandalmongers,' or 'A Physician's Honor,' could be improved, do you?" I asked, recalling the delightful scenes which seemed perfect to me. "Anything can be improved !" she declared, with an emphatic nod. Miss Hawley loves the farm and her summers are spent at her country home. Her favorite amusements are reading, music and the theater. She sings, plays and is fond of society — and society is fond of her. LILY BRANSCOMBE, OF THE ESSANAY COMPANY Miss Lily Bbanscombe, who was born in New Zealand and educated in New South Wales, is pretty, petite and brimming over with life and animation. Apparently she is young, but I cannot state this authoritatively, for when I ventured a hint in this direction she drew herself up to her full five feet three and looked reproachful. "It's rude to ask a lady her age," she informed me. Miss Branscombe began her stage career in '94, by playing Little Eva. Her Photoplay work has all been with the Essanay Company and her favorite roles are comedy and emotional. "I like the work, and the rehearsals are fun," she said, "but my best work? — dont ask me; wait till I have been longer in the business." "Are you married?" I queried — simply because the question is on my list. "I'm living in hopes," she sighed, but her dancing eyes belied the pensive tone. "I spend my evenings enjoying myself," she declared in answer to another question. "I read, sing, play, go to the opera or to the theater. I love to read, first all the newspapers I can get my hands on, then the standard authors, especially Lytton." "And do you like parties, dancing, etc.?" "You bet your life!" was the ready response. "Everything interests me. I do plenty of walking and swimming, and I adore the briny deep — after the mal de mer is gone. Last summer I spent on the Mississippi River." "How about politics?" "Nothing doing; dont know a Democrat from a buzz-saw," she laughed. It was like some sparkling tonic, my interview with' this vivacious little lady, so full of the joy of life. It is good to find sincerity and high ideals combined with youth and the bubbling spirit of fun. Write to Mother By K. MAXWELL RICHARDSON Well, at last I've written mother, Dear, sweet mother, old and gray. Who has patiently been waiting For the postman many a day. Not because I do not love her Had I failed so long to write, But every day that seemed so busy, Always brought a busier night; Sometimes work, but often pleasure. Called me from my lonely room, And I always eased my conscience With a promise to write soon; Till tonight, while idly sitting At a Motion Picture show, Thrown upon the screen this picture, Set my face with shame aglow — Like my own, a patient mother, Worn with yearning for a son, Had laid down her earthly burdens, For her gentle life was done. In her lifeless hand a letter That had come a day too late, Told the whole relentless story Of the silent work of fate. Bitterly my heart accused me, Blinded were my eyes with tears ; Hurriedly I left the theater, Haunted by a host of fears. So tonight I wrote to mother, And as I penned each loving thought, I blessed the Motion Picture For the lesson it had taught.