Universal Weekly (1924-1936)

October 30, 1926 35 h.e Fourth Commandment Robert Agnew BOBBY AGNEW, one of the best known juveniles on the screen, plays the role of Belle Bennett's child grown to manhood in "The Fourth Commandment." To continue a characterization begun by a child actor, as Agnew does in this case, is said by experienced players to be one of the most difficult feats of acting. Characteristic expressions and mannerisms that are natural with the child must be carried through the interpretation of the man. Natural resemblance is essential and ability to imitate is of course the prime factor in such a portrayal. Bobby spent many days with little Wendell Phillips Franklin who plays "Sonny" as a child closely studying his movements and expressions and particularly the whimsical "pie-face" smile which is a marked feature of his many scenes. The resemblance between the two is startling and Agnew's remarkable ability completes the characterization with surprising reality. Born in Dayton, Ky., Bobby was educated for the commercial world. Prior to the world war he was in the government accounting offices. For the early period of the war he was General Pershing's secretary, later serving several of the nation's famous men in the same capacity. At the close of the war he was induced to enter vaudeville with a friend. His natural ability won him a prominent place on the Keith vaudeville circuit. In 1921 he was given his first part in motion pictures, that of the jockey in "The Sporting Duchess" with Alice Joyce. Incidently, he has just completed another jockey role in "Down the Stretch" which King Baggot has just finished at Universal City with Marian Nixon in the feminine leading role. Since his picture debut Agnew's rise has been rapid. He has been starred in "The Great Love," "Wild Oats Lane" and in "Clarence." He played the role of Harry Van Alstyne in "Wine, "the spectacular Universal production featuring Clara Bow, and he has been seen in "Valley of Doubt," "The Highest Law," "Sin That Was His," "The Passion Flower," "The Sign at the Door," "Frisky Mrs Johnson," "Blue Beard's Eighth Wife," 'Seventeen," To the Ladies," "Kick In," and "Pawn Ticket 210." The close resemblance between Robert Agneiv and Wendell Phillips Franklin, shown in the next column, makes plausible Bobby's role of Sonny grown to w.anhood. Wendell Phillips Franklin LITTLE WENDELL PHILLIPS FRANKLIN will capture the heart of every man and woman who sees him on the screen as Sonny in "The Fourth Com mandment." He is unaffected before the camera, and although this was his first picture work, he portrays his role with the sureness of a veteran. Wendell objects to being called "a find." Never the less Emory Johnson considers him one of those rare and talented children who really are "discoveries" in the parlance of the cinema world. Belle Benneft, who is his mother in this production, prophesies that the little actor will some day be as famous as any player on the screen. In fact, it was through her intervention as a friend of the family that Wendell's parents permitted him to appear in the picture. Now his future is being planned, and Wendell himself has changed his ambition from being a policeman to an actor. Wendell Phillips Franklin as Sonny. Wonderful Mary Carr plays Gordon's beloved mother, wlwse presence in his home causes Virginia to leave in a jealous rage. Mary Carr SUPPORTING Belle Bennett in the powerful story of mother loce, "The Fourth Commandment," is Mary Carr, beloved screen mother of "Over the Hill." With her fine sympathy and understanding she IS a splendid example of the oldfashioned woman whose life interest is her family. In Emory Johnson's picture as the adored mother of Gordon Graham she arouses the jealousy of Gordon's wife played by Belle Bennett. As she is driven out into the rain by the rage of her son's wife, she wrenches the heart of every man, woman or child who sees her. Mary Carr was discovered by the man whom she later married while appearing in amateur theatricals when a young girl. At his suggestion she was asked to take the leading role in a stock company during the illness of the leading lady. She was so successful that she continued on the professional stage. Her first great motion picture success was in "Over the Hill" and she has been in constant demand for similar roles ever since. Among the many productions in which she has played an important part are: "Thundercap," "Silver Wings," "The Custard Cup," "You Are Guilty," and "The Wise Guy."