Close Up (Oct 1920 - Aug 1923)

10 Under the BY THE MAN eifying G 1 a § BEHIND ‘CLOSE-UP' HERE’S A GOOD ARGUMENT (By Walter Anthony.) The result of the balloting on “Salome” has just been communicated to Mme. Nazimova, the star, and Charles Bryant, the director, of the picture which recently was reviewed by the National Board of Review in New York. The results were mailed to the producers of the picture at United Studios and were received yesterday. According to usual practices, the Review Board of Motion Pictures contents itself with looking at the productions in some conveniently located projection room. After registering its opinion as to the censorable nature of the picture, the Board’s duty is done. In such a manner “Salome” was first reviewed and was passed unanimously and enthusiastically by the board. Ordinarily that would have closed the episode, but the Board’s recommendations and judgments of “Salome” were so radical in approval that before giving it the unqualified endorsement it deserved, the members deemed it wise to invite an audience of representative character and submit the unusual picture to a larger jury. To each member of the audience of about 200 drawn from all walks of life, a questionaire was handed designed to disclose the particular opinion of each “juror” on each point involved in the picture’s appeal. The brilliant star and her distinguished husband were present but took no part in the ensuing discussions. That “Salome” is an exceptional picture was the overwhelming vercfict; of 172 persons voting on this point, 152 asserting it so to be, against only 20 whose opinions were, in varying degree, of a negative nature. “Do you think that censors would be justified in arbitrarily requiring changes in the film?” was answered in the negative by 154 voters. Twenty were of different shades of opinion leading to an affirmative conclusion. Another question was, “do you believe that ‘Salome’ realizes or forecasts the greater possibilities of the motion picture as a medium of artistic expression?” To this there were 151 affirmative votes with many references to individual, particular and unusual excellencies. “A greater preponderance of favorable opinion it would be hard to assemble,” says Director Charles Bryant, “and we feel confident that the symposium is characteristic and significant. The ‘jury’ was drawn from the same elements that go to make up the great American public of which it was, we believe, typically representative. As for the few votes that suggested the propriety of censoring sections of the picture, their verdict, too, was significent and on the strength of their suggestions the picture has been altered and. we believe, strengthened in its appeal to the artistic impulses which alone the creation was designed to excite. We have every reason to DO YOU WANT A SCREEN CAREER? READ MARSHALL NEILAN’S “DON’TS” Marshall Neilan, producer of “The Strangers’ Banquet” at the Goldwyn Studio, recently offered to ambitious scenario writers among the public a list of helpful “Don’ts” which have been widely circulated throughout the country with the assistance of Pete Smith. It was suggested to Mr. Neilan that he prepare another list of pertinent “Don’ts” for the thousands of persons who have ambitions to become motion picture actors and actresses. And here it is: Don’t feel that it requires stage training to achieve success on the screen — many popular players have never appeared before the footlights. Don’t believe that because you are not beautiful you have no chance — look at Bill Hart, Ben Turpin, Will Rogers — I don’t dare mention some of the feminine stars. Don’t think because you are beautiful you must be a candidate for screen honors — natural acting talent, a face and form that “register” with the camera are the prime requisites. Don’t consider yourself eligible to stardom because you can ride, dive, swim or win a pie eating contest. believe that the overwhelmingly favorable verdict of this first audience will be registered and extended throughout the world at the box offices of cinema theatres when ‘Salome’ is released in the near future.” Athletics are useful to the movie player but secondardy — besides there are hundreds of professional stunt men available. Don’t come to Hollywood at the suggestion of friends who are not in a position to judge your qualifications. Get advice of local persons in the business. Through them get proper entree to producers and then don’t come unless you have enough money and time and can stand disappointment. Don’t send photographers to distant producers. Your local theatre man, exchange manager, photoplay editor on the newspaper and other persons connected with the business can usually give you your initial advice. Don't get the impression that brains are unessential in movie acting — you need as much intelligence in this work as in any other creative art. Don’t believe because you can recite “Gunga Din” you should become a movie actor — oratory has no place on the screen; you must forget your voice. Don’t think you have a wonderful chance because you look like one of the stars — mimics of successful screen players are usually failures. Don’t write producers asking if you are a good photographic subject. Your local photographer can tell you this. Don’t think it is necessary to take a course in a school of motion picture acting in order to “break in.” Don’t feel that acting is the only field in the movies for the aspirant to movie fame. Other branches in the business offer just as many opportunities. DO YOU KNOW THAT: Dorothy Phillips is said to have the finest role in her screen career in “The World's a Stage,” written by Elinor Glyn? * * * Bruce McRae made his film debut in this Glyn story? * * * Mme. Glyn herself appears in many scenes in “The World’s a Stage ?” * * * The picture will be completed in four weeks? * * * I thank you! The P. A. (himself).