Close Up (Oct 1920 - Aug 1923)

An Interview in Verse With Jackie Coogan By Hallett Abend “Poor little princeling of the silver screen! Denied a normal childhood by his fame. Voicing no wish that’s left ungratified, He’ll have exhausted life before he’s grown.” So ran my thoughts last Monday while 1 sat In Jackie Coogan’s house and waited for The world’s pet starlet as he changed his clothes. I hadn’t met him then, and did not know He’s still a child — unspoiled and natural. 1 looked around the costly, spacious room, And marveled at the fortune that has spilled Into this youngster’s lap, and then I spied A portrait of him in the cap and rags He wore as Fagin’s pupil. While 1 stood Scanning this picture, Jackie must have come Down the wide stairs without a sound and then Paused in the doorway, for I whirled about In sharp surprise at hearing a small voice Behind me say: “Good morning; I am here.” He’s just a little taller than I thought. This slender boy. His hair is fine, dark gold; The large brown eyes are frank, inquiring; His mouth so wistful and so sensitive The lips seem almost tremulous at times. Jackie’s career is not an accident. He is not merley trained in pantomime, But has the acting gift; even his voice, His every tone and accent carry weight And shaded meaning. There we stood and gazed At one another, and the small boy’s eyes Were large and wistful, so 1 said at last (Mindful of hours he must miss from play) “Don’t you get tired of this steady string Of interviewers?” But he shook his head And smiled. As I stretched out at lazy length In a low chair, he came and leaned against One knee, and shyly touched my hand, and said: “Sometimes they’re nice.” Then — “Would you like to see Something I got for Easter?” Next he climbed Up on a chair and from a high book shelf Brought down for me a rabbit two feet high, Made all of candy. “You wait here,” he said; “I’ll bring you something that you’ll like to eat.’ The patter of small feet across the hall, A moment’s silence, and he hurried back, Bringing me half a chocolate Easter egg. Then while I munched he ran outside and brought His pet dog in to meet me. “But the best Is coming now,” he smiled; and with an air Of secrecy and promise, ran away. When he returned he carried in his arms A small white rabbit with black nose and tail And bright pink eyes. “Just feel how warm and soft,” He said, and trusted to my outspread hands His best-loved pet. “I had a chicken, too, A little yellow one, but oh, just think, The chicken died,” and Jackie’s large brown eyes Were filled with tears. Bravely he winked them back And with an air of half-forced gayety Led me away into the music-room. There, with piano and a music roll And real jazz drums, this tiny picture star With flying hands and busy little feet Regaled me with a dance tune. This little boy, who counts his followers B,y millions, has a charm one can’t define — A subtle something with a deep appeal. Whether his present crystal naturalness Will ripen to an art when he matures Or whether he will pass from Filmdom, live In memory just as a prodigy, One dare not prophesy, but a good guess Would seem to be he will not spoil with time. But will grow greater as the years go by. At any rate, I shall not soon forget The wistful look, the sorry little “Oh” With which he took the news I could not stay And play wood-tag awhile out on the lawn. A Popular I. Miller Shoe — It would seem untrue that one style in particular should have the ability, in loveliness and delicacy, to out-step any or many of the little models designed and made by I. Miller. — However, the “Scandal” here sketched is a successful captain. It has an odd and artistic forepart, three graceful straps and dainty perforations. Something to be seen and thought about. Patent Leather only. At the Ville — Fifth Floor, where I. Miller Footwear is carried exclusively in Los Angeles fiPVPWTU ru mr mitvmAs co.