The theatre of science; a volume of progress and achievement in the motion picture industry (1914)

216 C6e Cfieatrr measure of popularity would be meted out to her in the new field. But it is hardly believable that there could have been any skepticism, for Maude Fealy entered the Thanhouser studio so well equipped — particularly for that company's productivity — that it is not surprising that she has been accorded the rare distinction of being heavily featured, the productions in which she appears assuming an individuality and an importance best comprehended if one were permitted to observe the demand for such releases. In fact, Maude Fealy has always had a tremendous public following and on the screen her vogue with the people has been greatly enhanced. Lorimer Johnston's retirement from the directing staff of the Am.erican Film Company is greatly to be regretted if for no other reason than the natural changes which his departure must influence, for no one can doubt that his incumbency in this organization has been wholly constructive if not revolutionary in its effect. Before he became responsible for the American's artistic output, the productions were entirely unworthy of the splendid group of photoplayers, famous for their "team work." As recently as two years ago such a quartet of able players as Kerrigan, Richardson, Periolat and Miss Lester were utilized solely for plays dealing with the Wild West, and while these productions were the best of their kind, Mr. Hutchinson, who has been the company's leading spirit, was convinced that the time had come to attain greater heights and along far more artistic lines. Mr. Johnston is one of those now-famous directors who actually prepared themselves for conquest in filmdom. I recall that in his vaudeville career, Johnston