Motion Picture Classic (Jul-Dec 1930)

C L A S S I CI Case CHARLESON GRAY, Court Reporter Editor's Note. — The docket of CLASSIC'S Open Court is full, and you, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury, can expect some of the most interesting cases that have ever found their way into print. You have heard to date the testimony, under crossexamination, of Mr. Cecil B. De Mille and Mr. Eric von Stroheim, taking the stand in their own defense. The July term of court finds another interesting case before us — with a unique defendant in the dock. No less a gentleman than Mary Dugan's lawyer is trying the case, and the charge is no less than murder. It is a serious charge. Pay close attention. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury, to what he has to say — for you are the ones who will decide the merits of his case. — MORGAN FARLEY, Special Prosecutor, comes forward to present his side of the case: Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury. Before the court we now have a most interesting defendant. Unlike the previous cases, those of Mr. De Mille and Mr. von Stroheim, this time we do not have an individual on trial. Rather, it is a place — Hollywood. Looking at it as it reclines there in all the gorgeous wealth of its physical perfection, I grant that it may be difficult for me to convmce you of the harsh charge which I am preferring against it. Realizing this, I feel that it is my duty to warn you against the blandishments of this murderer. Hollywood has tricked and sirened many people before, and will fool many again. So beware — for It is written that its clever ways, charming as they first may seem, invariably lead to artistic death! Lest there be some question as to the fitness of so young a man as myself to try so experienced a defendant, I also 36 I )art ot iiroddl dl, 3t ; feel that I should inform you that I am the attorney wF id. Jii so successfully handled the case of my sister in the famoiur London "Trial of Mary Dugan." Too, I gained invalipi' able experience in court procedure during the celebratai't p»v "American Tragedy" of one Clyde Griffiths. And thdioii: ] I certainly learned about seducers from the peer of theieinsu all in that famous affair, "Fata Morgana.' Thus it j' evident that my dramatic background enables me to pr< secute this fair scoundrel to the full extent of the lav! Women in the Case P A ND now to begin. As this trial is being held in jots jTY community which respects womanhood and how, jentsi shall call as my first witness Miss Lilyan Tashman. Mian Vec Tashman, will you take the stand I might add that yojnde had better take that chinchilla coat with you — you kno|Ti(" how these courtrooms are. Miss Tashman, I believe yc are the author of an oft-quoted figure of speech concernirteime:the respective merits of Hollywood and New York. Wiaiaj you kindly repeat it for the benefit of the court? m^to Miss Tashman: I said that whereas New York pitai champagne, Hollywood is gin — and bad gin, at thai However, since the talking pictures — Prosecutor: That will be all, Miss Tashman. Mii Constance Bennett, will you kindly take the stanc Thank you. And now. Miss Bennett, what is your opiil ion of Hollywood f Miss Bennett: Will what I say be used against me? Court scribe: Anything you don't want m the recoi sweetheart — Prosecutor: Order in the court! Please speak as free| as you can. Miss Bennett (yawning): Hollywood is an awful plac< Not anything to talk about but pictures, not anybody t^