The Photo-Play Journal (Jul 1919-Feb 1921)

so ffl 03 PHOTO-PLAY JOURNAL July, ioig ' ' ffl by Our Experts Beverly Bayne Fan, Faringa, Queensland : Will you kindly tell me where Beverly Bayne now receives her mail, and do you think that she would answer if I write to her? What are some of her first pictures? I would appreciate your giving me some facts regarding her early life. Beverly Bayne, formerly of Metro fame, last worked exclusively for the Vitagraph Company of America at Brooklyn, N. Y., co-starring with her husband, Francis X. Bushman, where your letters may be addressed. One of her chief characteristics is her willingness to personally answer any letters received from fans. She was born in Minneapolis, Minn., and removed to Chicago with her parents when she was still a young girl. She was graduated from the Hyde Park High School, and finished her education at a seminary in Philadelphia, Pa. Miss Bayne has the distinction of being starred in every picture in which she has appeared, and from her very debut in filmdom, she has created a lasting impression on her audiences by her exceptional histrionic ability. One of her earlier pictures was entitled "The Loan Shark," produced by the Essanay Company in Chicago. Her beginning in pictures dates back to the time when Essanay and Biograph were leading factors in the industry, and her first engagement was the result of a visit to the Essanay Studios, when she was making a sightseeing tour in Chicago with a few girl companions. Her pulchritude and natural grace attracted one of the directors, and he was so enthused at her possibilities that he asked to be presented to her. Immediately conversation was exchanged and Miss Bayne was engaged to appear in pictures after much persuasion. The try-out demonstrated that her success was assured, and she was assigned to an important role opposite to Mr. Bushman. This duo starred for a long time for Essanay, and after several years of successful playing, they severed that connecion and affiliated themselves with Metro, but Vitagraph won them over with an attractive offer. She has appeared in more than eight hundred pictures, a few of the earlier ones being "Pennington's Choice," "The Wall Between," and "A Million a Minute." Miss Bayne has athletic abilities — can ride a horse, shoot, swim, drive a motor car and is adept at most any pastime that enhances good health. A Loyal Reader: I am inclined to believe that the solution you offered to my previous problem had great bearing upon influencing my decision in the matter, and I feel it is within my privilege to call upon you again. I would like to have your opinion as to whether you believe war films have come to stay or by the returning to a peace basis, these pictures will lack interest. It is problematical what the outcome of war pictures will be, since even prophets in the industry are at variance with each other concerning it, but it would not be amiss to assert that indications point to their permanent retention. Many years will pass ere the spirit of patriotism will be deadened, and it is only natural that pictures with war as a background will continue to hold attention. War is the basis of most every editorial, every cartoon, and there will be a vein running through the columns of newspapers for a long period yet. Are the movies any different? The motion picture is the mouth-piece of the nation and the people, and with the memory of the Hun atrocities ever in the minds of them, the movies will keep pace with the wants of its supporters. Good war pictures will, therefore, always interest and amuse. Has not the Civil War furnished background for modern plays and pictures? Sanitorium Interne: — I have not seen Sessue Hayakawa featured very much lately, and as he is a great favorite of mine, would you kindly give me a few facts concerning him, if space will permit? Is his popularity decreasing or is it because of his nationality that he is held back? While Sessue Hayakawa is not shown as much as heretofore it does not reflect upon his talent or ability, and being a Japanese does not handicap him in his film work, for he has shown that he is equally as capable in the histrionic art as some of the more widely exploited artists. Personally, he is a man of many and varied accomplishments, and being an expert linguist, he is thoroughly conversant with American and Oriental customs. Born in Tokio, Japan, on June 19, 1889, he was started out in early life to receive a military education, and attended a famous Japanese Naval School. He was attracted to the stage perhaps on account of his ancestors' — m stage career. Hayakawa's uncle was a famous actor and stage manager, and he became connected with his uncle's company, in which the celebrated actress, Madama Yacco was then appearing. He remained with the company about six years, at that time becoming acquainted with his wife, Tsuru Oaki. Later, he came to America with the theatrical company and he determined to take up the study of the English language and drama for the purpose of translating our classics into Japanese. He attended the University of Chicago, and was regarded as a proficient student. His histrionic ability attracted Jesse L. Lasky, who engaged him to play stellar parts in "The Cheat," "The Bottle Imp" and "Hashimura Togo," in which he displayed his talents to advantage. He is living in Hollywood, Calif., and is at present planning to gain added popularity as an exponent of the art by a careful study of technicalities. Discharged Soldier, 315th Infantry: — Was "Over the Top", the only picture that Sergeant Guy C. Empey ever played, and what is he doing now? Sergeant Empey has just finished a new picture called "Hell on Earth." which is a Select Pictures special attraction. We know nothing of his future plans, but if this production meets with the same success as "Over the Top," it is probable that he will write and star in many future super-productions. A. E. T., Seattle. Wash.: — Was the law permitting Sunday movies passed in Pennsylvania a few months ago? There was a great deal of agitation over the subject when the bill was introduced into Legislature, but notwithstanding the fact that every effort possible was made by legislators, film magnates and exhibitors, to have this law passed, their aggressive efforts proved futile, and those behind the movement contend that their fight is merely beginning and that Sunday entertainments will have their innings yet. C. A. G. — New York : — Please send in your name and address and your question will be answered by a personal letter. irasea tin TImmiu LEKO P©ie(b m A hobby of a thousand points. That is the way motion picture people of Hollywood, California, refer to Priscilla Dean's peculiar fad. The Universal star's pet idiosyncrasy is California cactus and on her country estate near Pasadena she has more than a hundred different varieties growing there. She has a few of the spineless cactus made famous by J^uther Burbank, but the most of them have prickly points that stand ready to spear the too-familiar hand. "I like raising cacti because it's different," says Miss Dean. "They show that my home is truly Californian." And often between scenes at Universal City the chance visitor may find the star deeply engrossed on some naturalist's work describing some new variety of cactus that Miss Dean has not as yet transplanted to her country home. B3