Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

March 2, 1918. MOTOGRAPHY 409 Horkheimer Launches a New Star DECLARES MONA LISA IS OBJECT OF SEARCH FOR IDEAL BEAUTY HM. HORKHEIMER announces that his nation-wide search for a beautiful woman to launch into stardom is over and that he has been more successful than he had permitted himself to hope. The woman bears such a striking resemblance to Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" that he purposes to star her under that name. The likeness, moreover, is not a matter of chance, Mr. Horkheimer says, but the new star actually is a descendant of da Vinci's famous model. Painting Is Art History The annals of art contain no more fascinating story than that of da Vinci's life-long search for "the woman soul." He finally found it in the young wife of Zanobi del Giocondo, a sixteenth century patrician, when she came to sit for her portrait. The Madonna Lisa, as she was then known, proved such an unusual subject that the artist devoted four years to her picture. It turned out a masterpiece and is regarded today by many as the most perfect specimen of feminine portraiture on canvas. Many Rejected By Horkheimer Just so, Mr. Horkheimer has been combing the country in search of one who would measure up to his ideal for a contemplated film production. To this end, upwards of a thousand applicants have been passed on. Many have been beautiful and possessed of charm. Yet, each lacked something which prevented her even approximating the standard set. About the time he was beginning to despair, Mr. Horkheimer had a woman caller. "Mona Lisa!" he greeted her. "Why call me that?" she smiled. "Because of the striking resemblance you bear to the famous painting. It is unmistakable — your eyes, the smile, that face! Ever had any stage experience?" "Some," she admitted. "And now, I want a chance to work before the camera." Makes Good in Try-out That was easily arranged. At the tryout she brought to view exceptional photographic qualities and showed the sort of dramatic fire which should make her a favorite with screen connoisseurs. To be addressed as Mona Lisa was no new experience. Friends had often noted the likeness. Of Italian parentage, there was a tradition in the family that it was distantly related to Leonardo's heroine. Investigation established the tradition as true. As a little girl, the renowned portrait had appealed strongly to the modern Mona Lisa of the famous fainting and Mona Lisa of the films. Mona Lisa. A copy hung in her bedroom and she spent hours studying it, often imitating the make-up. The haunting, enigmatic charm of the original's face is to be found again in the presentday edition. Although the eyes are a trifle larger, they are as fetching and benign as those of the prototype. In view of all this, the new Horkheimer star has adopted Mona Lisa as her professional name and logically so. The practice is not unusual, because few people in the player-world go by their real names. This is particularly true of the very best known artists. The amusement-seeking public is ever on the qui vive for a new idol, at whose shrine to burn incense. It is the eternal cry: "The king is dead; long live the king!" Wherefore, it is believed that Mona Lisa has a good chance to win the motion-picture-goers' favor. Competent critics who have viewed her pictures declare her to be "the world's most beautiful woman." This is a strong statement and there will probably be a lot of Missourians until shown. To Make Debut in Drama Mona Lisa's first screen appearance will be in an emotional drama of seven reels. The piece is one Mr. Horkheimer has been waiting years to do, while seeking the right player for the stellar role. In Mona Lisa, he is sure she has been found, at last. The play, from which the film version has been adapted, is to be presented on Broadway's speaking stage about the same time the picture is released. Paul Powell, who is filming the piece, predicts that Mona Lisa will prove one of the greatest finds in the history of the screen. Long Time Since New Star It has been a long time since a new film star of the first magnitude was discovered. Mary Pickford, Marguerite Clark, Clara Kimball Young, Mae Marsh — all hark back several years. Meanwhile, numerous actresses have vainly sought to displace them in the public's favor, or to win a place for themselves in their class. Comes now Mona Lisa, with her subtle smile and soft eyes, seeking a following of her own. Endowed with youth, beauty and artistry, she starts unhandicapped and should win the coveted niche if her grip proves anything like that of da Vinci's treasure. Speaking of Mary MacLane And now Mary MacLane, star in "Men Who Have Made Love to Me," writes to George K. Spoor that as a conservation measure she is experimenting to get a potatoless boiled potato highball. "However," she says, "I fear the peculiarly appetizing aroma cannot be maintained by using any other ingredient."