Hollywood (Jan - Oct 1934)

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J& /7H.CZ Spencer Tracy reveals a fascinating philosophy of life as he tells why he wants to 90 on being a man among men By RICHARD T. ENGLISH Fans And Stars alike have dubbed Spencer Tracy a "mug" and no praise could be sweeter to that gentleman's ears. While other stars have been awarded titles from "the greatest profile" to that of "the greatest lover of them all" Spence goes his serene way, "just a mug" and proud of it! Spencer lolled in a chair as we talked of his strange appellation. "You know, that name is right down my alley," he said. "Practically every good part I've had is that of just an average guy. And what more could I ask? This arty business of costume roles and great lovers isn't for me — and don't I know it! Most guys don't realize it but the best parts of them all, in my estimation, are those of the average man. A fellow that's making thirty bucks a week, living in a little flat with the wife and kids, He's the man that knows the most about real life — the average tragedies, average joys and experiences that color existence. "People seem to think that you learn about acting from dramatic schools and because one has artistic tendencies. But they don't mean a thing! Sure, schools and natural abilities aid you, but the payoff is through observation of common folks. Today the stage and pictures are going in for realism; illusion has been discarded in favor of scenes from everyday life in that of any home. People change — just as you and I change — and as life becomes different the stage reflects what is going on in the world. I'm darned fortunate that the business has changed. Can you imagine me trying to do one of those lavender and old lace parts? You can't!" His feet came off the desk with a bang. Hunching over in his chair Spencer's voice dropped to a confidential tone. SEPTEMBER, 1934 "/ like being a mug," says Spencer Tracy. "It is something I know something about, being just an average guy. If you can do a part well enough for some kid to say 'I'd like to be like him' then you're serving your purpose" "You know what I'd tell him if a kid asked me the best way today to prepare for a motion picture career? I'd tell him to go to work in a foundry. a shop or a lumber yard — any place where he'd meet real people and could study them and try to emulate them! Because when you come down to it they're the people that make the world go round. "The guy working for his dough, supporting his family and buying a little car has more color in his life than a dozen millionaires. And simply because he's living a down to earth life. Taking care of his own instead of supporting some yachting club! "I used to work in a lumber yard in Milwaukee. I started for two bucks and a half a week, piling lumber after school. In two years I had had about every sort of a job, including driving the kindling wagon. I was about sixteen then; a good age to retain impressions and I had a good peek at what life really means. A guy's either on the level or he isn't; he's either O. K. or a washout. Pat O'Brien worked there, too — and he's playing mugs today. "When you've the part of an average Joe you're really drawing on your memory of some real man you know, whether in a foundry or a lumber yard. I've often had chances to do other kinds of roles but I want no part of them! My only idea is to play parts the average person understands and appreciates. If you can do a part like that well enough for some kid to say 'I'd like to be like him' then you're serving your purpose." • Spence stopped, suddenly abashed at having been so outspoken and I grinned as my memory tallied off comparisons of Spencer Tracy, screen star, and Spencer Tracy. Please turn to page sixty-live 31