Motion Picture Classic (Jan-Aug 1919)

I Earle and His Ambitions! © Evans, L. A. Films may come and films may go, but Earle Williams Thought I was going to use the same old ending, didn’t you ? No; this is all about the new benedict’s ambitions, and they dont lead him into the temptation of going on forever, even in films. I remember reading that young Mrs. Williams’ pet ambition was to be fulfilled in California, for she had set her heart on a white house with green shutters. She’s missed that house by a few kangaroo jumps, for it stands at the corner of a block which harbors but four dwellings on one side and none at all on the other. This unrestricted view gives outlook upon the foothills, shows up dandelion-covered meadows even in January, and makes one believe that the Williamses are suburbanites. The Catalina Street houses are on terraces. It’s ’most like living in a moated castle. There are lawns all around the houses and garages in the rear. The newlyweds’ home is a one-story bungalow of brownish tints, has an awningcloth hammock-swing on the front piazza, and is very snugly hidden from spying intruders by tall rose-vines and smilax, intertwined with asparagus. It is the voice of Florine Williams which greets one over the telephone. It is she who protects her famous spouse from annoying, unnecessary conversations. Even tho you must give a minute account of yourself before Earle Williams answers the ’phone, you feel the made to the Earle Williams and his bride live in a pretty one-story Los here, for stands, Angeles bungalow of filled with every brownish tints, snug sort of magazine ly hidden by tall rose j t j vines and smilax. Just devoted to the in above is a glimpse of dustry, brighten Williams in “The dull corners. Highest Ace” and at A handcol the right with Grace j . Darmondin Ine ored portrait ot Wouldn’t Mr. Williams in Tell’ the familiar soft hat makes one wonder if by any sleight-of-hand trick it could be abducted, or whether the memories of “Arsene Lupin” and Mr. Williams’ experiences along detective lines on the screen would make him fix the guilty party sans mercy. Earle Williams’ jewelry is unostptatious — but it’s all there! A platinum watch-chain, ring and scarf-pin set with blinking diamonds blend with the gray suits he’s so fond of wearing. Imagine being written up and interviewed for eight years in all sorts of magazines ! Even Earle Williams cant see the blooming beauty of a publicity cordiality ringing thru his wife's mellow tones. But once you’re expected, the Vitagraph star isn’t afraid to admit you himself. He’s not a bit up-stage and, while his manner suggests reserve, he talks easily. All the front rooms seem to open into each other, showing an alluring hominess. The furniture is massive mahogany. but it’s all meant to be used and lacks stiffness. There are lots of Japanese things, many lovely lamps, Chinese lilies scenting the atmosphere, and a tall, antique candlestick stands guard over the hearthstone. But oh, the books ! You’ve missed something if you cant see the handsome, low book-case, filled with beautifully bound volumes, and yet a concession is chat — he acknowledged the fact with j ; sigh. So we talked informally, as womer ( gossip over the tea-cups, or men mingle ^ smoke-wreaths with errant thoughts. “What are your ambitions, Mr. Wil I Hams?” “Ambit ions f Dear knows, I haven’t i any! But stay; yes, I have. My whole ambition is to tour the world, and I’ngoing to do it — see if I dont. Of course, I’ve been in Europe and have done thei! Continent hurriedly, but that is not the sort of trip my ambition plans. I want , to take an easy around-the-world-ineighteen-months sort of trip, the kind ol trip which isn’t tiring and which would provide infinite amusement as well asj educational advantages to Mrs. Williams:i and myself. I would not even fuss my-,self by planning ahead, just dally along, staying as long in a place as it gave us pleasure, i and them (Thirty-six)