The Film Mercury (1926-27)

Page Four THE FILM MERCURY, FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1927 Hollywood, Calif. | SLACKERS! Space last week prevented the writer from expressing her views of the prominent players who were not backing Equity 100 per cent. In the strike in New York, prominent in the list of strikers were the names of John, Ethel and Lionel Barrymore, Frances Wilson, George Arliss, Lillian Russell and most of the notable stars, either of theatrical families or those who had served many years behind the footlights. There is tradition behind the stage players, a pride in their work, the knowledge that there must be training before there is success. When their people needed them, the most prominent stars were ready to lead. In motion pictures, where a knowledge of English is unnecessary, where a screen personality is a matter of chance, where illiterate dumbbells become successful, in fact where Luck reigns supreme, egoism and inflation of the head appear to prevent half of the players from thinking correctly. Most of those who have mentality are engrossed with their own problems. They have forgotten that they had to serve their period of striving. Where on the Equity honor roll is the name of Douglas Fairbanks? True he is a producer, but he is also an actor. It is his success as an acrobat with personality that has placed him where he is today. Mr. Fairbanks was an ACTOR on the stage twenty years ago. Mr. Fairbanks was only mildly successful in the theatre. Several years ago Mr. Fairbanks went into J the movies as an ACTOR. He broke every rule of screen acting and it was due to tremendous personality that he was acclaimed by the public. Until six years ago, Douglas Fairbanks was an ACTOR. All of the struggles of his people appear to have been forgotten since he became a producer. The writer feels this actor-magnate is on the wrong side of the fence. Miss Pickford, who is noted for her lack of impetuosity in making any move, seems also to have forgotten the time she was working for a trivial sum a week. Miss Pickford appears to have forgotten the complaint she made against Famous Players when she left to produce her own pictures. Gloria Swanson, whose cry for years has been the difficulties an actress has with producers, is a member of Equity, but more silent than she should be. These players should decide whether they are actors, actresses or producers and stand by their decisions. If they wish to regard themselves as producers, the rest of the acting fraternity should look upon them as such. It is impossible to be divided in one’s opinions. j Where too are Corrine Griffith, Lillian Gish and Colleen j Moore? The foremost players of the screen should respond j to Equity in the same manner as the prominent stage stars. | ANABEL LANE. | + — ■ Harry Carey Added to “Rose Marie ” Film Harry Carey, former Western star and lately character actor in M-G-M productions, has been added to the cast of “Rose Marie,” which M-G-M will produce from the light opera of the same name. Renee Adoree will have the title role. Will Nigh will direct. Neely Edwards Signed for Jolson Picture Neely Edwards, screen comedian and recently star of the stage comedy, “Applesauce,” has been engaged by Warner Brothers for a comedy role in “The Jazz Singer,” A1 Jolson’s first screen production. New Title Selected for McCoy Production “Yankee Pluck” is the final title selected for Tim McCoy’s latest M-G-M production, recently filmed under the working title of “The Gallent Gringo.” Dorothy Sebastian has the leading feminine role opposite McCov. * * # St. Clair Signs New Paramount Contract Malcolm St. Clair has been signed to a new Paramont contract. The new agreement is for a period of a year. St. Clair’s next Paramount production will be “Red Hair,” in which Clara Bow will be starred. Upon completion of “Red Hair” he will start production on “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” Audrey Ferris Cast For New Warner Lead Audrey Ferris, recently signed to a long-term contract by Warner Brothers, has been assigned to play the leading feminine role opposite George Jessel in his next starring vehicle, “Private Izzv Murphy.” Miss Ferris is playing the feminine lead opposite Jessel in his current production, “Ginsberg the Great.” * * * William Austin Added To “Oh, Lady Be Good” William Austin has been signed by First National for an important comedy role in “Oh, Lady Be Good,” to be produced by First National from the musical comedy of the same name. ROSEWALL SANATORIUM (STRICTLY A PRIVATE INSTITUTION) 1928 E. Twenty-seventh St., Oakland, Calif. LICENSED PHYSICIAN IN DAILY ATTENDANCE W. G. R. Bischof, Manager A synthetic, painless, non-narcotic “No Needle” treatment for drug addiction and alcoholism. All correspondence strictly confidential and answered in plain envelope. 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