The Film Mercury (1926-27)

Page Two THE FILM MERCURY, FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 1926 Hollywood, Calif, Life vs. Movies By Anabel Lane The observant Oscar Wilde wrote that we are wrong in our impression that art is a mirror of life. He claims that life imitates art far more than art imitates life. It is my belief the erudite Mr. Wilde was correct, but that was before the movies became popular. iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiM | Tamar Lane | fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiil? (Continued from Page 1) stormer? You ought to be shot.” LOSE RESPECT But to their great amazement, however, they find the writer only a mild individual attempting to be agreeable and boasting neither a beard, a basso profundo voice nor a high hat. The shock is too much and all respect for the writer is lost. MORE REASONS Another reason why the writer does not enjoy mixing professionally is that I have found over a course of time that an introduction to a player or a director will almost invariably mean that a few days later said individual will be requesting a boost or a favorable write-up merely because of the acquaintanceship. Upon what basis these requests are made I have never found out. But I am quite sure that these players and directors would be surprised and indignant if writers and critics whom they met were to ask favors of them, even though the writers can do much for players and directors, while the latter can do very little for the scribes. PAYS TO BE CAREFUL Then again, a critic who wishes to maintain his integrity is often forced to be exclusive. There are wily individuals in every business, and the film industry is no exception. It pays even a critic to be careful. A few months ago a young man who had just been appointed to a new post in one of the prominent studios called upon the writer several times, seeking an interview. Due to his persistence, the interview was finally granted. Whereupon, he unburdened his troubles, and even went so far as to ask the writer to aid him in making good on his new job. GRATITUDE Notwithstanding the fact that this young man was in a way betraying the faith of the company in bringing his troubles and ambitions into the Film Mercury office, the writer, because of the fact that he has always made it a point to try tb help all young people who Graf to Make New Series for As. Exhilb. Max Graf will produce a series of feature comedies for Associated Exhibitors. Bert B. Perkins is preparing the scenario and continuity for the first, “Finnegan’s Ball,” production to start about May 1st at San Mateo, Calif. Associated also announces George Jessel will be featured in a picture to be made in New York by Harry Sherman. Jessel is also under contract to star in “George Washington Cohen,” which A1 Lichtman will produce. • • • GAG MAN ADDED TO FOX EDITORIAL STAFF Jeremy Clarke, gag man for several New York musical productions, has been added to the editorial staff at the William Fox studios. • • • Eddie Clayton has been engaged for a juvenile role in “Married Alive,” Fox production now being directed by Emmett Flynn. • • • Biff Firms Being Welded Together (Continued from Page 1) has blossomed forth with a bang, engaging players, writers and directors without stint. Marcus Loew, chief of M-G-M, and Famous Players are very friendly, in fact related in more ways than one. Universal stock is on the market and Wall Street today dictates to the film industry. An investigation might disclose the fact that the same financial interests control them all, even though operated individually. The dollar mark is the trademark of the future. There may be a “trust” but prove it. appear to be seriously endeavoring to make good, not only aided him but supplied him with information which was much to his advantage. Only recently, the writer was amazed to learn that instead of being grateful for our generosity, said young man has since made statements that we once offered him “protection” for a money consideration. The young man will be taken care of in due time in regular Film Mercury manner. This is written merely for the benefit of those who wonder why some critics prefer to remain to themselves. The producers claim that in trying to make pictures they wish to create in them characters true to life. But these gentlemen are reckoning without the public. The people who frequent the cinema use the mannerisms of their favorite stars, and under some circumstances act as they imagine the film player would under those same circumstances. We are sometimes surprised at the type of film certain persons prefer; we cannot understand why they go to see movies so .foreign to their own temperament. However, if we analyze humans it is not difficult to reach a sane conclusion. The coward will patronize all films in which he knows the hero will defeat everyone who is a bully or a villain, and in watching the scenes his own wrongs seem avenged. The timid soul who has longed for adventure makes a bee-line for a pirate or a western tale, and he emerges from the theatre a swashbuckler. The shop girl lives a romance when the heroine in a Lucille gown tantalizes the hero, but marries him in the end. And the results of this continual mental basking in dreams sometimes materializes in a change of character. The coward after mentally combating his enemies becomes braver, and on occasions may imitate in deed the hero whom he has watched. If the event is successful, he will play the hero to the end of his days. And so it is with other fans; they emulate their ideal, sometimes it is fortunate, often not. A very amusing example of the films was brought to me recently. I know in some film the boy had noticed a star reply in the manner he did. This boy of ten, who took tickets at the door of a picture house, had other duties to perform for the theatre owners, which he had neglected. The manager was told to correct the youth, and tell him he must not slack up on his work. The boy was very impertinent in reply, so the proprietor said he could not take up his duties until he apologized to the manager. The following night he appeared at the theatre, put on his uniform, and stood at the door accepting the tickets. On learning the apology had not been given to the manager, the owner sent for the boy, and told him he could not work until he made his excuses, and asked him if he were ready. The child drew himself up to his three feet, tossed his head in the air, and replied, “A Cassidy never apologizes.” Another incident occurred that proved even the hated subtitle sticks in the mind of a fan. Noticing two men start a quarrel I crossed the street, I arrived in time to see one man shake off the hand of his adversary and say, “Unhand me.” The other day I read of a Chinese coolie taking a cane and derby, and imitating the ubiquitous Charlie. And so the movies will continue; the producer and writer will study people to use in their films. And the people will go to the films and emulate the persons, and the actions of the players. * * * M-G-M WILL RELEASE TWO UFA PRODUCTIONS ‘A Waltz Dream’ and ‘Faust’ will be the first two productions of the UFA studios in Europe to be released in America thru M-G-M. /■ — a Body , Top and Fender Work AUTOMOBILE REFiNISHING Great Western Duco Co. GLadstone 5003 5600 SUNSET BLVD. v — -T ■ ■■■—; '"=^