Modern Screen (Dec 1934 - Nov 1935)

MODERN SCREEN Have You Changed in Last Five Years? the (Continued from page 53) It didn't happen suddenly — psychological changes seldom do — but now, as you look at Gable's face, you can see in his eyes a great peace instead of glowering storm clouds. What had actually happened to him was that he had seen himself in relationship to a great industry — as a man stands in a crowded street and looks heavenwards at the planet Mars to realize, for the first time, how small and ineffectual he is in comparison to the great universe. Clark saw the picture business as a sort of universe and himself just a small part in it. And, gradually, as this idea took possession of him, he worked out his salvation until now he says, "The producers were right. Why should they have given me a job when I wasn't any good? It was just an accident that I had something which caught on, and why should they be blamed for not prophesying this accident, when there were so many begging for the same thing I wanted? "Every morning as I come to the studio I see myself standing outside the casting office waiting to 'get a break.' Every day people ask me to help them get a job — and I am helpless. Now that I actually see how complicated the picture business is, now that I'm on the other side of that great fence, I realize how lucky I am to be inside at all." And thus has Gable changed from bitterness to humility. I think his present attitude might teach us all a lesson or two. GARY COOPER has undergone a change, too, but in a very different way. When he got his first part in "The Winning of Barbara Worth," he was so terrified that he disappeared from the set for days and had to be found and brought back, so sure was he of his own inadequacy. He felt the enormity of the industry at once. It is an actual fact that he was so frightened and nervous that he would be physically ill after doing an emotional scene before the camera. He knew he wasn't an actor and was tremendously impressed by those who had proven their ability. The psychological change happened to Gary rather suddenly. He was watching a well-known actor doing a scene. Gary had the most profound respect for the man. The fellow had been laughing and joking with some friends on the set when the director called him. Instantly he did an emotional scene of such intensity that real tears came to his eyes, he simulated real hysterics. The director called, "Cut!" The actor stepped outside of camera range and finished the story he had begun. The stage shook with laughter. The young Gary, watching, was amazed. Gary, who had been ill after his big scenes, Gary who had so respected the camera that he had run away from it out of sheer terror. And now this Gary said to himself, "Well ! So that's all there is to it, this acting business. You laugh and kid and then you cry before a black box. Why, it's a big joke and I've been letting it get me down. What a fool I've been !" The change began that moment. His new attitude took entire possession of him when he came on his set one day and saw five men who had once been great stars, playing extra parts. Now his attitude is cynical. He says, "Nuts to this business. I'm smart enough to know that it lasts — this fame — for five years and then they kick you out and get another boy. And I was the goof who took it seriously. Well, I don't take it seriously any more. I do my stunt and take my money and when my time's up, I call it a day !" Scott Photo Just a few of the 200 or more friends who dropped in to give the Fredric Marches' new home in Bel Air the once-over. The hostess, herself, Mary Astor, Jeanette MacDonald, Fay Wray and John Monk Saunders were among the "house warmers." CHIC at all times! • FOR SALE AT THE 10c STORES ■ New plan offers Family Protection at cost. Up to SI, 000 cash benefit paid at once in case of Accident or Death. No medical examination. Men, women, children, aged 1 to 80, may apply. Membership oostB only $6. Millions want it — need it. Already 100.000 members enrolled. ENROLL MEMBERS FOR US Make $5 cash profit every member you secure. Earn up to $60 weekly. No experience or investment needed. Complete outfit Free. Your Benefit Certificate without mem bersliip coat. Get details today. NATIONAL AID SOCIETY Dept. K-i Soringfield. III. There's a subtle allurement in this exquisite odeur. And RADIO GIRL Perfume and Face Powder have added charm for the thrifty modern girl who loves nice things — they cost so link! RADIO GIRL Face Powder, made io smart, new blending shades, has the same delightful odcur as Radio Girl Perfume. Use (his COUPON for FREE SAMPLES "Radio Girl", Saint Paul, Minnesota Mn Send me FREE RegularSizc Radio 6/rYPcrfume and Trial Size Radio Girl Face Powder. I enclose ioc (coin or stamps) for cost of mailing. (Offer good in U. S. only.) j" Name , Address 103