Motion Picture Classic (Jul-Dec 1930)

Hallel uiah! Knd A hH Vercentag^ By MURIEL BABCOCK A i m e e mple McPherson s A Heaven-Sent kie Opportunity IF you have a little radio set along with the morris chairs in your front parlor, you've no doubt heard Almee Semple McPherson, the lady evangelist. Before someone turned her ofF, I mean. Come, all ye smners, and gather 'round close. For here's a choice tidbit for you. Aimee is going to make a picture— a talking picture — which will relate the story of her life from the wind-swept prairies of Canada, to the desolate missions of China, to the green pastures of Los Angeles and Angelus Temple. The lady who walked the burning sands of the desert, that she might come home to her followers in the "pure and spotless raiment of the Lord," is going to break down and confess all — in gelatin form. For a long time now, movie contracts, screen tests, story conferences have been brewing. It is said that every big motion picture company has offered her a contract. First Aimee would, and then she wouldn't. The indecision seemed to be tied up with the matter of percentages and lawyers, and a trip to the Holy Land — and Paris. Now everything seems set. By the time you peruse this, Aimee should be fondling a make-up box on the Universal lot. For, believe it or not, the Laemmles, Carl, Sr., and Carl, Jr., are preparing to film the story of Aimee. At this t is called "Clay in the Potter's t is based on Aimee's autobiographical book, "In the Service of the King." Everyone Will Be There ^ IMEE and her whole family, from the departed Robert Semple — her missionary first husband who exerted such influence on her life and deeds — to Roberta, the daughter; Rolph, the son; and even "Ma" Kennedy, will be characters. Although no definite announcement of the leading man has been made, for a long time the name of Kenneth Harlan has been popping into the picture. It seems that he looks very much as Robert did. It will be a full-time contract for someone, because, although the missionary's soul passed to his fathers in China, his spirit will accompany her in all scenes. ■■^^B The cast should be an enormous one. They've got to put in lots of converts, and they're not going to forget the yeggs, gangsters, dope fiends, capitalists and all others who have figured in the tempestuous battle that Aimee has waged these many years against Evil. There will probably be location trips — although no mention has been made of one to Carmel. Carl Laemmle, Sr., likes the idea of doing the picture so well that "they say" he wants personally to supervise the production, which will be staged on a spectacle scale. Everyone, of course, is entitled to one guess, or maybe two about the business of direction, but it is this writer's hunch that Aimee herself will have a lot to say about close-ups, fade-outs and what-nots. Biblical Drama Plus FOR this Mrs. McPherson is an experienced actress. Right now, she runs the best show in Los Angeles. It's a religious show, to be sure, but aside from its evangelical aspects, grand entertainment. Clad in flowing white robes, assisted by all manner of mechanical effects and props, Aimee packs religion home in strong doses. She dramatizes everything from her post — well spotlighted— on Angelus Temple's rostrum. Just as in a drawing-room play, when the butler and footmen and maidservants come on the scene to converse grandiloquently and {Continued on page 84) 30