Close Up (Oct 1920 - Aug 1923)

16 Bright Hints For Human Beings By “US” or “WE” THE MOST EMBARRASSING SITUATION I HAVE EVER BEEN IN (By Clara Kimball Young) While I was in Burma a few years ago we were stopping in Rangoon, which has a very large Chinese population. I was told that a Chinese play was in progress. It had been playing continuously for a week and would last a few' days longer. I was very eager to see a real Chinese play, at w'hich few foreigners were allowed to be present. Finally, however, I was introduced to a very wealthy and influential Chinese who politely offered his box to me for the afternoon performance. After the custom of centuries, a platform had been erected in the street w'ith seats for the spectators placed in front of it. At the intermission, what wras my surprise and amazement when a Chinese servant appeared with a tray, which he ceremoniously placed before me. As a mark of great courtesy, a favorite native dish had been prepared to refresh me. I took one taste and nearly choked. It consisted of an oily mixture of onions, fresh nutmegs, cocoanut, fish and garlic, and over it all was a sweet, syrupy sauce. There was no escape — I had to eat it, especially as all eyes w'ere on me as the guest of this wealthy Chinese. After several mouthfuls, I made no impression on the amount to be consumed and realized that my only salvation was to bluff it out until the play began again. It was the most embarrassing experience I have ever had and that was the longest intermission in the history of the theatre. Marguerite Courtot is making “The Filigreed Flask” in New York. This, we guess, is another story of hip disease. * * * “Money is the root of all evil,” says the bunko man. Reggie Denny perpetrated this. * * * Ziegfeld says the legs have it — instead of the eyes. Jack Cooper says he’s right. * * * If a man is so good that he can’t tell if it’s real beer or not — why he’s not so bad off. Phil Rosen writes with zest. TWO THINGS AT ONCE A certain sage once remarked, “that no one could do two things at once — and do them well.” This is a serious mistake; and I hope that all future wise men will take into consideration George Kuwa, when they start presenting future generations with axioms. At this writing, George is playing a most important part over at the Warner Brothers’ studio; while doing this 'picture, he has been engaged by Wm. DeMille at Lasky’s for another part calling for his vital personality and capable acting ability — so, to show his appreciation of doing dual things, George was presented with a Studebaker roadster by the company who sells them, at so much per car. Of course, George paid the bill! CLEMENS BACK Jimmie Clemens, popular film director, is back at the Christie studios assisting Scott Sidney in the staging of “Hazel From Hollywood,” featuring Dorothy Devore. Herb. Rawlinson is starring in “One Wonderful Night.” This sounds like a short and dark feature. * * * Any man who pretends to understand a woman is a four-flusher. Roy Stewart is right. * * The girls owe a great deal to chemistry. Just look what it did for the blondes. C. L. Theuerkauf has written this. * * * Norris Johnson does a clever remark. Seme people think that ivory soap is for the head. PASSING THE CHAIN GANG A flash and a whir and the motor had vanished! The long trail of dust was the sign it had been, Though choking, and gasping, these men who were banished. Thought fanciful pictures from what they had seen. Each thought in his own way, his picture the fairest, For had he not seen a bright soulsaving smile? In eyes which to him had a lustre, the rarest When good women look, what they feel for awhile? There were three in the car, but oh! what a grouping! The hues of their scarves the gay butterfly’s shamed, And men who a moment before had been drooping, Awoke to new life — at this vision enframed. A moment they feasted their eyes on their beauty, Accepting the blessing to their hearts, new stirred, Then buoyant, more hopeful, returned to their duty, Instilled with a rapture their tongues could not word. God bless ye fair ladies for smiles so bewildering, To those long denied ’twas a treasure— so rare! Those men ye thus conquered, their souls were enriching With gems of great value, that folk seldom spare. — By Marshall Lcrimer. IBs b\Vf BROWN ^ CALDWELL ^ND LADD PKo t o -ex\3r aVe r\s (j \ 2.4 7' S. BDWYi LOS ANGELES