Screenland (May-Oct 1930)

12 The inimitable Douglas Fairbanks continues to lead in the field of good screen entertainment. our game. During a meal, one of us would cry, "This is how they eat in the movies," and lift her food to her mouth in jerky motions. The same applied to turning the pages of a book, walking, or any action that was represented on the screen by unnatural, staccato movements. It's interesting to note the contrast between such crude attempts and the glorious revues and dramas that today make us forget ourselves and our troubles. Beatrice Slocombe, 16 Hancock St., Lexington, Mass. The Mecca of Dreams A wonderful dream of romance, success, joy, health, wealth, and happiness all come true. This is what movies bring before our eyes and make our castles in the air a reality. Oh, what joy to slip into a darkened theater from a busy turmoil of a day and there, for several hours, let our tired minds drift with the beauty of love, be soothed with sweet melodies of song and uplifted to the very heights of happiness. How wonderful that such an experience can be enjoyed by all of us, rich and poor alike: it is surely worth more than anyone can ever estimate. We leave the theater with uplifted hearts, with a light of happiness shining in our eyes, and a memory never to be taken away. How many times we live it over in days to come walking once more through the beauty of it all. May movies live forever and even continue to bring the assurance to us all that dreams can come true. Mrs. M. M. Swartz, 40 Wyard Crescett, Rochester, N. Y. Thanks to Douglas Fairbanks ! A few years ago my little brother was on the ebb of life. Naturally, we humored him in every way we could and when Douglas was to appear in our neighborhood in "The Black Pirate" I granted my small brother's wish and took him to see the picture. He sat crouched back in his seat just a bundle of sore, achey muscles — his bright eyes riveted upon Doug as he swung from one scene into another. All he said was "Gee, Sis, I wish I could be like him!" From that day on he worshipped Doug. He asked the doctors to let him walk in the fresh air and tried every possible way to help himself. Gradually, strength came back to him and he started doing the tricks he had seen his idol do. He built him a little hut and called it "The Gaucho Den." He organized a club known as "The Masked Riders." This club made startling and wonderful things — sabres, carved knives, guns and ropes. When Doug's pictures came to town they went in a group, then returned to try out the tricks. Today my brother has a fine body and superb health. His idol and pattern is still Doug and to him we owe our undying gratitude. Clara L. Woffke, 1230 North Temple Ave., Indianapolis, Ind. She Likes Gilbert's Love-Making John Gilbert's performance in "His Glorious Night" was a supreme achievement in love making. How he managed to put so much beauty into those overused words "I love you" is beyond me. Then came criticism about Gilbert's voice — and I wonder what the public wants. It's pretty tiresome to have all our actors singing, dancing and talking and hardly one attempting that most difficult thing, speaking love lines on the talking screen. So our brave hero Gilbert tries it and what does he get from his once adoring public? I ask you, is it fair? Mrs. H. Sokol, 116 Oak Street, Wilmington, Del. Gary Cooper: A Rhapsody The wide blue heavens — the vastness of out-of-doors — the graceful swaying of forest giants high up against the horizon — in all, the suggested strength of Gary Cooper! As Gary strides into view he is "The Virginian." In his masterful, yet gentle way he runs away with the picture. His code suggests moral strength as powerful as those ranges out of which he came riding. Yet he reveals kindness and deep 7 he John Gilbert voice has been the subject of much discussion — pro and con. SCREENLAND Barry Norton's friends will be glad to know that he has signed a contract with Paramount. understanding in his dealings with the mountain people. He portrays the character with amazing completeness. The highest place of honor to the long, striding Gary! H. Kling, 1119 Indiana Street, Vallejo, Cal. For Ann Harding Thanks to the talking screen that has brought into prominence talent that many of us would never have known. A type somewhat rare on the screen, I believe, is Ann Harding. She appears to refined, so cultured, and her voice has acquired such perfect diction that one would walk miles to hear her. Such naturalness of manner, and speech, such pleasing per-' sonality and rare beauty is seldom seen. She combines well all that is beautiful and best in pictures. It is a real inspiration to see such talent as Ann Harding and Fredric March, who played with her in "Paris Bound," possess. May we see more of them. Miss Jane E. Harrick, 510 West Madison, Lansing, Mich. A Barry Norton Fan The ways of producers are beyond the comprehension of my feeble brain. It always struck me as weird that some company did not for its own profit as well as for the welfare of the cinema art, exploit the talents of Barry Norton. No player on the screen has received more unanimous and consistent approbation for brilliant work in minor roles. I have followed his career with vivid interest since his memorable 'Mother's Boy' in "What Price Glory." His marvelous work as Lieutenant Dashwood in "Legion of the Condemned" where he faced death before a firing squad appealed to me as being the finest single bit of acting I have ever seen. Yet the producers do not recognize the potentialities of such talent. But, of course, they are men. That explains it! Crocella Mullen, 1030 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles, Cal.