Camera - April 14, 1923 to February 16, 1924 (April 1923-February 1924)

Page Twenty-two "The Digest of the Motion Picture Industry" CAMERA Dick Discusses Discomforts As They Look and As They Are After being compelled to let his hair grow since last November, Richard Barthelmess, the famous motion picture star, says he believes now that Samson, the originator of hair-cutting, felt it was worth while to suffer the penalty of being delivered over to his enemies in order to enjoy the comforts of shorn locks. The young screen artist says he never realized what a joy and pleasure a hair cut can be to anyone. Heretofore he always thought only the barber obtained any satisfaction out of a har cut. "Modern civilization certainly has it all over the past," declares Mr. Barthelmess. "Hair cutting in the olden days was not considered a prime requisite, and now I understand why in ancient times barbers were chums of kings. They had to have royal backing in order to live, as the populace was not kindly disposed to the barbers. "In selecting my next picture I will make certain that the character I have to portray will be an up-to-date man who patronizes barbers. When I acted the role of Charles Abbott in 'The Bright Shawl,' I discovered that it was necessary to let my hair grow long, as the Beau Brummels of 1850 prided themselves on long hair. "I thought that as soon as that picture was finished I could go to the barber, but not so. My character in my present picture, 'The Fighting Blade,' required even longer hair than in 'The Bright Shawl." Mr. Barthelmess also declares that he has learned that women get their styles from men, not the Parisian dressmakers or milliners, but men from the old ages. "In the sixteenth century, in order to show that they were different from the rest of the people, the followers of Cromwell abandoned the pig-tail effect with their hair," said Mr. Barthelmess. "They wore their hair just as the flappers do today, except they had no temporary or permanent wave." As a result of the length of his hair, Mr. Barthelmess was compelled to shun society and had to become almost a recluse, because men of today don't wear their hair that way, and he knew he would have to stand no end of joshing if he tried to mingle with his fellow men. Invitations came pouring in on the young star, but the event he was thinking of most was the reunion of his alma mater at Trinity College. He could not go to it unless he had his hair cut. Came the night before the reunion. "I think we can finish with you in about two hours in the morning," said John S. Robertson, who is directing "The Fighting Blade." Time tables were consulted. There would be no chance of going to a barber shop, so telephone calls were sent out. One Italian answered he would be on I lie job. "I cutta the hair of the great Caruso," he proudly declared. No sooner had the director announced that the set was finished, than Barthelmess dashed for a chair, and before he left the studio and took the train for Hartford, Conn., he was so changed in appearance that the doorkeeper was not going to let him out until someone came to identify the packages he had under his arm. "I not only seized time by the forelock, but by the whole head of hair and I caught the train by a close shave," concluded Mr. Barthelmess. Ruby Miller, famous star of the English stage and] screen, who is known as the best dressed woman in Lon-j don. Miss Miller declares that American men look like] shieks and aren"t, and that the English do not look like? shieks, and are! ~1 Clarke Renalle President Culver City Studio 7 r~ I j Broxtfn, i j Cald well j I & Ladd 100 PER CENT TITLES, 100 PER CENT SERVICE AT THE RIGHT PRICE Dress up that next production with artistic Hand Lettered Titles made by IRVING W. Bl'NZE. If you want Perfect Symbolic Art Backgrounds, let us make them. Neil E. McQuire, formerly with Ince & Prizma, does our art work. For perfect black and white titles, try our PROCESS SYSTEM. A telephone call will bring our representative with samples. Quality Title & Film Co. 1442 BEECHWOOD DRIVE HOLLY 4850 Photo Engravings 317 South Hill St. Phone 635-51 j