Close Up (Oct 1920 - Sep 1923)

16 Bright Hints For Human Beings By “US” or “WE” WHAT THEY SAY By Donald H. Clarke. Whenever something is said about making motion pictures talk, a natural question that arises is, what do actors and actresses really say to each other before the camera anyhow; do they speak lines in character, do they say anything that comes into their heads at the moment, or do they just make their mouths go and say nothing? It would be rather startling if any one of the photodramas completed up to the present writing should be suddenly given the power of speech. There is little doubt that the audience would get an ear full. It might run something like this: (Scene: Drawing room. Visible characters: Beautiful heroine (Hel ene Chadwick). Dashing hero (Richard Dix). Invisible but audible characters: Director, stage hands, electricians, camera man, other members of the cast, etc. Director’s Voice. Miss Chadwick, now look sad. No sadder. Tears. (Louder.) Dammit, you with the violin, make that music sadder. That’s good, Miss Chadwick, keep feeling sad. Miss Chadwick. I’ve had to look sad so much during this picture that I’m tired of it. Can’t you dig up something for me to look happy about. Director’s Voice. That’s a book of poetry you’re holding — sad poetry. Now drop your eyes slowly to the book and keep on looking sad. Hold it. Hold it. Now look off into the distance with a far-away gaze. Imagine you’re hungry and there isn’t a ham sandwich within a hundred miles. Good. Invisible Voice. Do you want the spot(light) ? Director's Voice. Shut up. Dix’s Voice. When do I come in. Director’s Voice. Now, Dick, you enter that door, eager, no time to waste. Smile as if you knew you’d just come to propose to the only girl in the world that an unkind fate had kept from you. You cross directly over, take the book from her hand, propose, passionately. Miss Chad wick, you register profound emotion. Sadness gives way to joy. Both of you wrap your arms around each other and kiss. Come on! Come on! Come on now. Dix (plumping down on his knees and throwing away the book, and looking yearningly at Helene). I hope I didn’t lose your place. That’s one of the best detective stories I ever read. Miss Chadwick (registering joy). Are you coming to my bridge party tonight, Dick? Dix (throwing his arms around her). Gosh, I can’t. I’m taking a party for a ride tonight. Miss Chadwick (embracing him). Well, bring them all around. Mother and I will be glad to have them all. Dix (kissing Miss Chadwick vigorously). That’ll be (smack) fine (smack). We’ll (smack) make it (smack) about 9 o’clock (sma-a-ck). Director’s Voice. Cut! Of course, that’s only an imaginary scene. As a matter of fact, Miss Chadwick and Mr. Dix, who have been screen lovers so often in Goldwyrn releases, their latest appearance being in “The Sin Flood,” really do act out the love scenes. That’s why they were selected for the sample of the sort of thing that other actors and actresses do every day. It would never do to reveal to motion picture patrons the identities of the leading men and women of the screen who do not talk in character, but decidedly out of it. There are many of them. One great character actor in a heroic scene recently filmed, and taking a heroic part, delighted in kidding his CRAZY QUILTS By M. L. The gentle little zephers, that zepher through the breezes, Is very appropos just now to emphasize our wheezes. The sun is modest to a fault, akin to maid who teases — But anyhow to state a fact, it starts our “FLU” through sneezes. * * * The sportive little Finnan Haddie loafing in the ocean, When served to me at breakfast time, fills me with deep emotion; For every little bite I take somehow cleans out the dish, And only bones remind me that — there goes another fish! “Paul” Parrott has begun his one reel comedies, first shots for which were taken on location. The working title of the comedy is “The Joiner,” showing the comedian joining lodges for the object of personal advancement. Gilbert Pratt is directing the first Parrott comedy and A1 Santell will be at the megaphone in the next, the two to alternate. leading woman, making funny comments in the saddest places. There is one great director, at least, who never lets his cast know just why they are smiling and walking and weeping and making gestures. He handles them like puppets. And he is tremendously successful. About all any one would hear in a talking motion picture directed by him would be the sound of his voice, frequently enhanced by a megaphone. If talking movies ever are in vented— well, let’s wait till they are. YOIJR IDF AS DESIGNED IN PLATINUM 40 per cent less than elsewhere. Why not try us? Many MOVIE ’CELEBS are PATRONS Why not YOU? PLEASE PATRONIZ E— W HO ADVERTIS E— I N “CLOSE-UP