Picture Play Magazine (Mar-Jul 1929)

What tke Fans Think 13 Many fans think stars are of another world, and care nothing about them. There are exceptions, but many are kind and generous. I correspond with Helen Ferguson occasionally, and when I won an evening gown from her in a fan-club contest she sent me a beautiful silk shawl and lingerie, as extra gifts. She has sent me lovely letters, and I even had a special delivery one. Then, I have received beautiful photographs, personally autographed. I have always adored Doris Kenyon, and wrote her a fan letter long ago, and many more since. She is like a real friend to me and writes such charming letters. Last Christmas she sent me an adorable gift, and besides I have many photos of her with the baby. Doris sent me a book of her poems, and she sent copies to friends of mine also. Just day before yesterday came another charming letter, in which Doris said that she was inclosing a wee gift for me to buy myself a remembrance from her. And do you know what the wee gift was ? A check made out to me by my beloved Doris for thirty-five dollars ! I'm so proud of it, and am anxious to show it, which I do with much pride. Then, they say stars have no use for fan friends ! It's untrue! They appreciate sincere friendship and are glad to give their friendship in return. Doris is so charming, and I love to have her tell me all about her dear little baby, Kenyon. I was born in Michigan, and Jason Robards is from there — so he wrote, "We Michiganders must stick together." Paddy O'Flynn, who knew I had a chum called Harmony, in the movies, wrote "To Lucille Carlson — who must be music — for she is Harmony's best friend." I could write for hours about the lovely letters and pictures I have received. Betty Blythe even told me where I could obtain darling frocks — at a great bargain. Alice Calhoun told me about her beautiful garden and choice roses, and how she loved to play tennis. Lucille Carlson. 206 East Main Street, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. From a Fan in Denmark, I read with pleasure the letters in "What the Fans Think." From the addresses and names, I see that most of the fans are English or Americans, but I hope that you will allow me, though a foreigner, also to write a letter. Most of the American films are shown here in Denmark, and I have seen a great many of them. In a recent issue one of the fans criticized John Barrymore's acting and asked if he is only making pictures as a joke. I have seen Mr. Barrymore in "When a Man Loves," and "Don Juan," and I admire his excellent acting. Over here he is regarded as one of the best film actors of the world. The fan writes that he is dragging beautiful Dolores Costello down with him. As far as I know, Miss Costello was rather unknown before she had roles in "The Sea Beast" and "When a Man Loves," and John Barrymore has made her known, rather than dragged her down. Concerning Pola Negri, I see that many fans do not like her. I have seen Miss Negri in "Barbed Wire," and "The Woman on Trial," and I should say that no other could have taken her place in these excellent pictures. Indeed, she is a wonderful actress. Further, another fan asks for new faces, and will have Norma Talmadge, Pola Negri, et cetera, leave the screen. It would indeed be a great pity if we should not see any of the "old" stars, such as Mary Pickford, Lillian Gish, and the Talmadge sisters, who are still very lovely. A great many fans criticize Ramon Novarro. In "Ben-Hur" he was indeed very good, though I more appreciate the more forceful men, such as John Barrymore and Clive Brook, who are my special favorites. Before closing, I should like to say a few words about Evelyn Brent. I fully agree with Miss Agnes Pearson, who praises Miss Brent. Indeed, Evelyn Brent is very lovely and womanly, and I should also like to see her a great deal more. Miss Kate. Maviendalsvej SO E. 4, Copenhagen, Denmark. Who Can It Be? It seems to me a matter of regret that a certain actor, of accomplishments so innumerable— and about which he is so modest that his press agent is obliged to keep us informed of them — does not devote his whole attention to one of the many other arts in which, we are told, he is so proficient, and which he would adorn so much more effectively, we gather, than the one in which he happens to be engaged. Time is not standing still with him. Indeed, only lately, with an inexorable stroke of the pen, his press agent has deprived him of two years ! Before he is hailed as an "infant prodigy," I consider that he ought to make the final and momentous decision about his "great future," so as not to deprive the world of his talents. I shall not, of course, affront his modesty by mentioning his name. W. E. Gage. 42 Woodbourne Avenue, London, S. W. 16. Playing the Game. I have just read Leona Weber's letter and think that movie game is great. Here's my contribution to it : When "The Gaucho" issued "The Last Command" to "Love and Learn," the "High-school Hero" took his "Desert Bride" and rented "Honeymoon Flats" in "Old San Francisco." When "The Patent-leather Kid" "Serenaded" "Rose Marie" on "The Road to Romance," the "Thirteenth Juror" gave "Wings" to his feet and made for "The Gateway of the Moon." One night in "The Garden of Eden," "The Devil Dancer" grew "Love Hungry," but when "The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come" proposed "She Wouldn't Say Yes," because she had heard of "Walking Back." One night at "13 Washington Square" "The Leopard Lady" and "The Gorilla" played "Detectives" and captured "The Wizard," "Four Devils," and "The Enemy." One day "Three Sinners" went to "The Circus" and met "Ladies of the Mob," who were "Partners in Crime" with "Fallen Angels." One day "Sadie Thompson" met "BenHur." He was "Dressed to Kill," and she said, " 'Love Me and the World Is Mine.'" But he said, "I'll meet vou in 'London After Midnight,'" "The Secret Hour," you know. One evening, "Jesse James" showed his "Man Power" and fought with "The Jazz Singer," who did not get up even after "The Count of Ten." One day, in front of "The Love Mart," I saw a sign, "Two Girls Wanted." I saw "The Divine Woman" on "Dress Parade," and "Good Time Charlie" and "The Girl from Chicago" were making "Love" "Fast and Furious." "If I Were Single" and wanted to win "The Heart of a Follies Girl," I would leave "The Valley of the Giants" and come to "West Point." Budd Murray. 14 Cliff Street, Newark, New Jersey. Another Fan Deserts! If the movies intend to continue with this Movietone and Vitaphone business, they are going to have to stagger along without the patronage of this fan. I can stand a lot of punishment, but when it comes to talking pictures I have to draw the line. Why this thing was started is a mystery to me, and just when the films were showing such a decided turn for the better, too 1 "Sunrise," which I had waited for, and expected so much of, was entirely spoiled for me by the blatant racket of the Movietone ; and now I learn that Von Stroheim's picture "The Wedding March" is also accompanied by this noisy effect. And Emil's "The Patriot." Gosh, it's enough to bring tears to the eyes of one who has always been an ardent fan and booster of the movies. But, as Fanny the Fan stated, I'll have hereafter to spend my evenings with my books — the films are a thing of the past with me, so long as they continue in their present noisy state. Joan Perula. San Francisco, California. Betty's for Ricardo. I should like to put in a plea for Ricardo Cortez. I have seen him recently in "Excess Baggage," and I was very disappointed to find him in his old style of villainous role. He was very good, however, and I admire him for taking a second part after being a leading man for such a long time. I firmly believe that it is the director who makes or breaks a picture. I know if Ricardo Cortez would be given a good part with a director like Borzage or Murnau, he would reveal on the screen his long-hidden ability. No, I don't say he hasn't shown marked ability before, but I think there is something more, and, if properly brought out, he would surprise every one. I know many of you think he is my one and only favorite, and just because of that I am saying these things ; but that is not so. I have other favorites, William Haines and James Hall being among them. These young men and others are rising to the heights of fame, if not already risen, and I am glad. I only wish Cortez could, too, for he is just as good and better than any. Betty Virginia Morrell. 6816 Parnell Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Her King of Hearts. I had the giorious thrill of a lifetime when I saw handsome, adorable Gary Cooper in "Lilac Time" ! I cannot describe my happiness at seeing him again. He is divine ! To me he is the perfect, handsome actor. There is no one who can compare with him. He was truly splendid in "Lilac Time," "The Legion of the Condemned," "Beau Sabreur," and ."The First Kiss." One is always happy after seeing Gary in a picture. Gary, with his thrilling ways, puts one in a wonderful frame of mind and causes one to forget one's troubles ! He is making a marvelous success as the handsome, clean-cut young hero. May I say that I love him? He is my king of hearts. June Minter. 439 South Spring Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.