Camera (May 1922-April 1923)

Page Eight "The Digest of the Motion Picture Industry" CAMERA I The Screen Writers Page Conducted by William E. Wing Uneasy Lies the Head THERE is no more dangerous ground in commerce than that of knowing more about the other fellow's business than he himself. One does not have to travel the back trail far to stumble over sad demonstrations. This is the character of wisdom which, despite a certain amount of success, eventually brings about very sad results for the Solomons. Yet this is one of the ailments which has fastened itself to the studio and the film industry. Every writer who has wasted much of his time to accomplish moderate results in the line of photoplay construction, has been aware of the menace for years. Since pictures were as novel as they were brief, studio managers, actors and many directors whose literary judgment was very good as regards food, but quite shy as per Once upon a time the whole membership of the Authors' League of America fairly frothed at the mouth, because of disgraceful treatment from studios. Many very famous authors advised all writers to keep their wares from film people. Many of the conditions complained of then, still remain. Some of them hint at a nearly a million dollars which divided — in a commercial way — one from the other. Those who saw both pictures will remember "Robin Hood " for a long period. But, many who witnessed "Timothy's Quest" never will forget it. A lesson, brothers of the pen and typewriter, but a straw which truly reveals the direction in which the wind is blowing in these days of uncertainty as to "what character of story goes?" Shadows contempt for the original writer. But conditions are threatened with changes by the several organizations behind various groups of writers, and the pot once more is boiling. Will unwise studios change their tactics before much needed talent again is turned from market channels? Heart Interest taining to books and stories; all of tliese were very superior to scenario writers when it came to the mere matter of selecting worthy tales for the screen. It made no difference that the coterie often ju<lged the merits of professional writers, tlie latter were utterly outclassed in matter of judgment as to all things literary or artistic. To a great extent, this same condition exists today, and with it is a somewhat utter disregard for the rights of writers, or the respect due their efforts. Since a certain letter was published in Camera! six weeks ago, this publication has received a flood of letters confirming the already-known fact that some scenarios are never returned, while others are held for months and then sent back to the owners with no apolo.gies or explanations whatever. Yet these same studios not only need scenarios, but advertise for them. GOOD effort must be repeated to have results, so some very wise philosopher has said. Therefore if mediocre writers repeat now and then, it is a matter of following a good rule. Therefore we will say it again. Writers who hope to strike a popular chord in the heart of the studio editor, as well as the heart of the public, will do well to stick by their guns and write — for one subject— heart-interest stories. This has been brought home to us very impressively recently by reviewing "Robin Hood," and, immediately thereafter, "Timothy's Quest." The one was a gorgeous spectacle; the other a gripping appeal to everyone who is genuinely human as to childhood. The fact that we had witnessed the really big Fairbanks' super-special did not inject itself in any manner when we sat in the theater and lived with the children of "Timothv's Quest." One was as absorbing as the other to the genuine human, despite the little matter of PURSUING shadows is quite as dangerous in the picture game as in any other •line of business, where the ring of cash register means so much to the men behind the money-bags. We referred to this fact last week in an article, modestly endeavoring to air the troubles of writer and studio. Now comes support from an authoritative editor of a certain well-known publication which carries conviction with his words. Read it: "There is nothing in mere persistence to admire. It may shadow forth vicious intent. It may be the expression of a blind and blundering folly. When a man is en gaged in a hopeless task, and declines to realize the hopelessness of it, continuing to l)atter his pate against the wall that fate h:\s erected across his path, he may merit pity, for that he lacks brains: he may deserve advice, because of some other quality he possesses. No admiration is due. Persistency is without color of morals. It may be good and it may be evil. Certainly it is not good when it causes the waste of time, eneigy and capital." One word impresses us as we follow the reading of this essence of wisdom. It is the world "folly." What Folks Think LIKES EXPOSITION NUMBER CULVER CITY, Dec. 2.— Editor Camera ! — I want to con.i!ratulatc you on the exposition number of Camera ! it's very attractive to look at, and very interesting to read. JOSEPH A. JACKSON. HOLLYWOOD, Dec. 5.— Editor Camera ! — I enjoy Camera I more and more each week, and am sending my copies East to friends. CLAYTON (EDDIE) JONES. Writer's Forum took over the league i took it out and sent it out myself. 1 have never got it back from Belasco and two letters inquiring its fate have not been answered or returned. My address was written plainly on the outside of all the envelopes, also on the manuscript. Please advise me what I should do. It's a dandy comedy if 1 do say it as shouldn't (Mrs. H. C.) ANABEL M. FERRIS. Four Years Ago in Hollywood 'Frisco producfrom L-KO to sister to LOS ANGELES, Nov. 30.— Editor Camera ! — On the 2Sth of August I sent a scenario to the Belasco Studio, 803 Market street.. San Francisco, taking the address from a current number of Camera ! I called it "The Bread and Butter (Jirls" and it had been criticised by Mrs. Corbaley an<l had been accepted for sale by the I'hotoplaywright's league. When the Screen HOLLYWOOD, Dec. 6.— Editor Camera ! — Yesterday I heard a charming woman say : "Camera ! is more than a good magazine, — it is a friend to every honest person connected with the M. P. business." I, too, feel this way, and so do thousands of others. Here is hoping that we all may prove worthy of the efforts put forth in our behalf. Wishing you every success, I am, WINONA BOUTREE. (From Camera! of Drrrmbcr 8. WIS) Six pictures are in progress .it Univer.sal. Chet Withey has gone east to direct Norma Talniadge. William Russell is in ing ••Little Boy Blue." Jack Blystone resigns join Henry Lehrman. Clara Horton is bein Shirley Mason at Lasky. Leatrice Joy returns to stock at the Strand theater in San Diego. Tom Sanfschi has been engaged for Bert Bracken's new picture. Maxwell Karger, director-general of Metro, arrived Thanksgiving day. Edward Sloman has gone to the desert to film exteriors for his Margarita Fisher film. Herbert Sutch, former assistant director at Griffith studio, returns from Canadian army. Rosemary Theby supports May Allison in ■•Peggy Does Her Darndest." Jack Mower had !o walk the plank in the Monroe Salisbury tilm at Universal. Constance Talmadge will start her next Select picture at Morosco studio in about ten days. Hrenlwuod Film company's publicity man suggests ••optience" as cinema synonym for audience. Herbert Blachc and Henry Otto are the latest Metro directors to arrive in the western migration. .Mary MacLaren is to be supported by Ethel Lyons and Virginia Chester in ••Whose Widow?" at Universal. Kvangelinc Booth of the Salvation Army is making a picture at Lasky studio lUlward Jose will direct. Charles E. Grnn, leading man for F.nid Bennett. Olive Thomas and Bessie iiarriscale. died Friday of influenza. Harry Van Meter is still limping from the sprained knee he received while working in Roy Stewart's picture. Hale Hamilton, new Metro star, starts ••Johnny-on-thcSpot" tomorrow under Harry 1.. Franklin's direction. June Mathis adapted the story. Alia Nazimova starts work tomorrow at Metro on ••The Red Lantern." June Mathis and Albert Capellani completed the script enroute from New York.