Close Up (Oct 1920 - Aug 1923)

BY THE MAN BEHIND ‘CLOSE-UP: TURPIN’S TELL By Richard Spier The news coming out of Los Angeles that Charles Chaplin is to play "Hamlet” if plans of the Moving Picture Directors’ Association for an outdoor performance of the play are carried out, has created intense interest in film and fan circles, and incidentally a rare stamping ground for the jokesmiths, who declare that if the cane and derby comedian’s nomination to play the part of the melancholy Dane is carried they will vote Ben Turpin as nominee for the role of William Tell in a production of Schiller’s drama of that name. “We would enjoy seeing Mack Sennett's star in a production of the drama of the noble Swiss Liberator, who shot the apple from his child’s head and the arrow through the heart of the tyrant Gessler,” continue the sundry sparkling wdts. “Can you imagine Ben Turpin as Tell hitting the apple? The production will go down in history as the greatest aim and miss premier of all times.” Despite all efforts to reduce to absurdity the possibility of Turpin in a serious role, his kidding admirers may have something of a surprise awaiting them when they see him in a semitragic part in “Where Is My Wandering Boy This Evening?” in which Sennett satire Ben assumes some Walthalian posturing and heroics that prove he has something else besides mere pie-throwing abilities. It is certain that Turpin has gifts beyond the comprehnsion of his admirers who fail to imagine him in any other part than that of cross-eyed clown. Seriously, however, if Mack Sennett were to produce a screen travesty of “William Tell,” with Ben Turpin in the ttile role, the production should be a riot. Imagine Ben as Tell! Dot Farley as Bertha! Harry Gribbon as Gessler, the Tyrant; Jimmie Finlayson as the murdering Duke of Austria! Kewpie Morgan and Tiny Ward as Tell’s Kiddies! Or a scene of the meeting of the four wards on Ritli mountain at sunrise, with an interlude by the Sennett Beauties! And keep on imagining Ben hitting the apple! Jack White does his weekly line again from New York. A “cordial” greeting is always “bracing.” ' SENNETT POSTPONES “MARY ANNE” Mabel Normand, inimitable comedienne of the cinema, is one of the busiest little stars of the day, with plenty of work to look forward to. At present Miss Normand is being photographed in the title role of “The Extra Girl,” and immediately on its completion will begin with the production of “Mary Anne,” the latter having been postponed by her producer, Mack Sennett. The story of “The Extra Girl” is an original from the pen of Mr. Sennett and embodies a big, wholesome theme, ideally suited to the individual personality of the charming little star of such previous classics as “Molly-O” and more recently “Suzanna.” HE HAS ARRIVED! Bert Roach has started his second comedy under his new contract at Universal City, which features him as the star of a series of one reelers. William Watson is directing the story. Roach’s elevation to stardom fol lows some clever work in several recent Universal-Jewel productions, including “The Flirt,” and directors and producers, watching his acting and grasp of comedy situations, decided that in Roach they had found something new in fun making. Stroock’s Genuine CAMELS -HAIR OVER-COATS $65 Piccadilly Model 548-550 South Broadway National Shirt Shops In her present vehicle, “The Extra Girl,” Mis Normand will enjoy ample opportunity to further demonstrate her wistful charm, with one of the best all-sar casts ever assembled, including such artists as Ralph Graves in the male lead, George Nichols, Dot Farley, Anna Hernandez and Vernon Dent. F. Richard Jones, supervising director of Mack Sennett productions, selected William A. Seiter to direct this latest classic. Homer Scott, well known as one of the best photographers in the profession, and an expert on lighting effects, is in charge of the cameras and is cranking first camera himself, as he did with previous Sennett productions starring Miss Normand. Rod LaRoque, off the screen, is almost a “double” for Monte Blue. Each has the same acquiline features and very even teeth. Mr. LaRogue is now playing the leading role in Richard Thomas’ current underworld picture, “Other Men’s Money.” Are You Interested in beautiful GOWNS? You can purchase in my home at 2006 IVAR AVE., Hollywood, the changing wardrobe of 10 of the BEST DRESSED STARS on the SCREEN! All articles of wearing apparel at a GREAT SACRIFICE. Many of these GOWNS were worn in only ONE PICTURE. Screen Stars Wardrobe Exchange 2006 IVAR AVE. PHONE 437-028 (Cahuenga Ave. to Franklin, Then One Block East and Two North) THE BROWN PAINTED DWELLING IS 2006