We use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) during our scanning and processing workflow to make the content of each page searchable. You can view the automatically generated text below as well as copy and paste individual pieces of text to quote in your own work.
Text recognition is never 100% accurate. Many parts of the scanned page may not be reflected in the OCR text output, including: images, page layout, certain fonts or handwriting.
I KNEW THEM WHEN
The author of this fascinating article worked with many of the present day stars when they were mere extras and from that experience brings a wealth of rare and delightful reminiscences
By MARY SHARON
I worked in a baker's dozen of comedies with Betty in the old days. Work is right, too. We never knew when we donned our make-up, how many changes we would be called upon to make or diverse roles to play. We might start out as a college co-ed and wind up as a chiropractor's assistant. ( This business of making comedies on a shoe-string was no sinecure for the actors. Many times, when the quota for the current picture was used up, the "leads" would disguise themselves and stand in as "atmosphere." It was a common occurrence to find the leading lady sitting with her back to the camera in cafe scenes to help fill the house.
Some of the things we were called upon to do were difficult, some unheard of, but nobody ever
Bobby Vernon and a little friend in one of Mack Sennett's early comedies. The little lady has since made quite a name for herself and if you're still guessing, it's Gloria Swanson, the Marquise herself.
I AM frequently the guest of talkie stars at the Brown Derby or the Blossom Room and I see them nonchalantly toss a bill to the waiter, telling him to keep the change. I am sent home afterward in a Rolls-Royce and I am properly impressed, for I knew them as extras. I remember when carfare home and a call back tomorrow was the most important item in their lives.
Now that everything is so decidedly jake, and the only flies in their ointment are interviewers, like myself, and income tax colleaors, I often wonder if they have forgotten the trials and hazards they had to undergo in order to win their place in the sun.
Does Betty Compson ever think of those early days when she was serving her movie acting apprenticeship?
36
Remember when this trio used to have them rolling in the aisles? The jungle vamp is Bebe Daniels, while Harold Lloyd and Snub Pollard complete the picture. Mary Sharon, the author of this article, is the nifty poised with a club, behind Bebe.
Back in the days when bathing gels dressed like the Florodora Sextet. Billy Parsons, funny man, about to dive, was a great favorite. The gent on the right is Harry Edwards, Evelyn Brent's husband, and Mary Sharon stands directly behind BiUy.