Screenland (Nov 1929-Apr 1930)

for 7\[ o v e mb e r 1929 15 A fan writes in praise of Pat O' Malley's rich baritone with its hint of an Irish burr to it! Fairbanks, Charlie Chaplin, Mary Nolan, Charlie Farrell, Mr. and Mrs. John Gilbert and that all-hot-and bothered Lupe Velez. What she did to Old Man Pittsburgh — and how! And I won't forget that nice boy, Gary Cooper. Margaret Siles, 53 Fleming Park, Pittock, Pa. Not Too Acid! Here is a shower of bouquets, acid drops and comments. We want: — to congratulate Myrna Loy for T^ubi in "The Squall"; Ronald Colman for Bulldog Drummond, and Lily Damita for Camilla in "The Bridge of San Luis Rey." Also to recommend this picture for not having a theme song called "San Luis Bridge is Fawing Down." I also want to remark on how well Ruth Chatterton is named; to request another theme song like Oh, Alight of Splendor, but not too much like it; stars to pretend stop pretending their lime-light love is artistic; a smile from Greta Garbo, and to demand better chances for Diane Ellis. Mildred Smith, Manassas, Va. Garbo Again ! In an interview Greta Garbo said: "Talk' ing pictures are so far beyond the experimental stage that anyone unwilling to recognise their superiority to silent pictures is either hopelessly old-fashioned or plain stubborn." Miss Garbo has fine intelligence and strength of character. She is interested in making pictures which will be dramatically worthwhile. I believe her opinion of the talkie is sound. While hearing and seeing talkies recently, I have been struck by the number of superior features which the speaking screen has in contrast to the legitimate stage. On the stage the action must be over-emphasized to be made effective. How much more sensitive is the living picture. What delicate and significant suggestions may be made! The quiver of a lip, the hint of a smile, a slight gesture of the hand, the low inflection of a charming voice — all are possible and natural. And there is the flexibility of the screen, flashing from one action to another. Is not one justified in holding to the conviction that in the future some of the great dramatic creations will be on the screen and that the talkie as a vehicle for good entertainment will have no superior.' Bert S. Chewning, 1205 Bennington Ave., Kansas City, Mo. A Hand for Personal Appearances The following statement appeared recently in a local paper: "The value of personal appearances of movie stars in picture houses about the country has long been a mooted question. Sometimes producers feel that these appearances harm the drawing power of a player. Other times they feel that such tours are of real benefit to film productions." I would like to state my opinion on the subject. First of all, who isn't thrilled beyond words to sit in the theater and see before them, in flesh and blood, one of their favorite stars? I have seen personally, such stars as Buddy Rogers, Davey Lee, Lily Damita, Jackie Coogan, Lew Cody, Anita Stewart and Robert Agnew. How I enjoyed their performances! Buddy Rogers did one of his scenes from "Close Harmony" and sang several songs. Davey Lee lisped a little speech in his cute manner and sang "Sonny Lily Damita won new friends with her colorful characterization in "The Bridge of San Luis Rey." Boy." Lily Damita talked to the audience and her French accent was charming. I cannot see where a personal appearance harms the drawing power of a star. Instead, it brings him more admirers, and affords many fans their only chance of seeing, personally, their favorite stars. I think Buddy Rogers and Mary Brian form the best movie team. Here's hoping we see, and hear, more of them. Maxine Tweddell, 415 E. Euclid Ave., Detroit. Mich. 'Broadway Melody" brought new fame to Bessie Love. You'll see her soon as the trouping heroine of "Road Show."