Motion Picture Classic (Jan-Aug 1919)

"1 have no doubt that the amateur creative mind can he trained and developed under proper systems and competent teaclmrs. , . , From what I have seen and heard of the Palmer Plan. I may say that I regard it as probably the most efficacious method now In existence for developing the amateur creative mind; while the Manuscript Sales Dwartment, It seems to me. Is certain to be of benefit not only to photoplay authors but to producers as well. I am naturally Interested tn any development that will make for successful scenario writers because there is always a detnand for original and well-conceived material." [Director-General Famous Players-Lasky Corporation] Read it again ' — and again — for this Is no ordinary letter of lukewarm Indorsement. It t IS a significant message from the foremost director in the motion picture field — one of the world’s highest screen authorities. It is a highpower statement from the man who stands at the very apex of achievement — the man whose name is a warranty of high-calibre photoplays. And this remarkable letter, mind you, typifies the attitude of the entire motion picture industry toward the Palmer Plan of Photoplay Writing. For the Palmer Photoplay Institute is filling a definite, vital need by serving as a Clearing House for the interchange of photoplay ideas — and by acting as the logical connecting link between producer and writer. The Palmer Plan Is making photoplay authors out of many people who never dreamed that their names would loom large on the silver screen. One member secured a Staff scenario position three weeks after enrollment. Another member succeeded in having his first story accepted and produced. Another, after struggling unsuccessfully for years, received $500 for his initial effort through us. Another, a, busy housewife and mother of four children, is earning over $200 monthly from sparetime work. Still _ another rose in a few months from an underpaid clerical position to Assistant Managing Editor of one of the largest film companies. Hardly a day goes by but what we receive a letter from some grateful member with the story of his or her success. And that, after all, is the thing that counts — the_ thing that interests you. Understand — there is no magic or mystery about what the Palmer Plan will do for you. It is simply a concise, clean-cut plan that shows you how to put your "movie” ideas and plots into definite, cashable form. It is the only plan of photoplay training that carries you all the way through — from primary instruction on to Advisory Service and then on to Marketing Service. Through our Personal Advisory Service Bureau, Frederick Palmer — one of the best-known screen authors in America — takes your bare “movie” idea just as it is, and shows you how to develop it properly; how to blend mystery, suspense, sensation and surprise; how to create “human interest” situations that tug at the heart strings of your audience; how to shape your “movie” plot into a photoplay of tense moments and smashing climax. And remember — the criticisms you get are absolutely individual; you get the personal help, the personal coaching of a recognized master of photoplay construction— the man who in 9 months wrote 52 scenarios for “Universal.” Get our booklei. Pkoiopl^Wriin ,lf you want to know how to develop your creative imagination to the fullest extent— if you want to know the top prices ($100 to $1000) producers are willing to pay for acceptable plots^ — the least you can do is to send today for our new illustrated |)ooklet, “The Secret of Successful Photoplay Writing.” Explains the Palmer Plan in detail— shows the practical advantages of our Personal Advisory Service and Manuscript Sales Department — shows our iron-clad, money-back Guarantee. Your copy is waiting for you — and it’s free. Mail the coupon NOW! (PALMER PHOTOPLAY CORPORATION 1 7471. W. Heilman Bldg., Los Angeles, Cal. , Please send me, without obligation, your new booklet, I'The Secret of Successful Photoplay Writing." Also — Special Supplement containing autographed letters from the leading producers, stars, directors, etc. Name This department is for information of general interest only. Those who desire answers by mail, or a list of the film manufacturers, with addresses, must enclose a stamped, addressed envelope. Address all inquiries to The Answer Man, using separate sheets for matters intended for other departments of this magazine. Each inquiry must contain the correct name and address of the inquirer at the end of the letter, which will not be printed. At the top of the letter write the name you wish to appear. Those desiring immediate replies or information requiring research, should enclose additional stamp or other small fee; otherwise all inquiries must await their turn. Trixy Lee. — Yes, June, the month of bugs, I mean brides. This is a peculiarly dangerous month to marry in. The others are July, August, September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April, and May. Richard Barthelmess is not married. You refer to William Courtleigh, Jr. Squirrel Food. — Mary Miles Minter was seventeen April 1st, 1919. She was in New York in May. You can reach Mildred Manning at the Brunton Studios, Los Angeles, Cal. C. S. G. — It is true that Lillian Russell has had five husbands. She has been trying to get a good one. Interviews of the players you mention forthcoming. M. A. H. Jax.— Yes, I believe in frequent ablutions. After my bath, a shave and a change of clothes. The effect is as spiritually refreshing as that of prayer and a clean conscience. This is why I am so good. Maude Fealy is in Salt Lake City. Address them Los Angeles, Cal. Slim. — Thanks for the fee. Slim. You say Carmel Myers was a “stunner” in “The White Savage.” So you wish The Classic was a weekly. Maybe it will be some time, who knows? Wait until you see Shadowland. Oh, yes, I answer them anywhere from seven to seventy-seven. Blue Eyes. — Good for you. You remind me of Socrates when he said, “When a man is first married, he sees no use for heaven. After a time he sees no use for the other place.” Address them Los Angeles, Cal. French Tank. — Oni, oui, Marie. Douglas Fairbanks is about 35 years old. Prince Dantan. — Come, come — loosen up ! Anger is a mental process by which we punish ourselves for the wrongdoing of others. Anger is poison. You cant expect the players to autograph their photos for all who request it — they would have no time nor money for anything else. Stop in again some time. Tom Mix, Jr. — Nothing to say. It will not be nearly so interesting to know how many teetotalers will hide liquor against _ the day of drouth as it will be to know their names and addresses with a diagram setting forth exactly where they hide it. Cleo Madison was on the stage last I heard of her. G. R. C. — You remind me of what Voltaire or somebody said: “Love is of all the passions the strongest, for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart and the senses.” Have I ever been struck? I’m not saying anything. Charles Kent, Eulalie Jensen, Henry G. Sell, L. Rogers Lytton will all be seen with Corinne Griffith in “Thin Ice.” Sounds like a real Vitagrapher, doesn’t it? You’re right. David Warfield and Frances Starr have never been in pictures. Jack J. — Ship ahoy. Jack! Why, Maine ranked first in shipbuilding, and Kentucky first for tobacco, and of course the latter has a wide-world reputation for thorobred horses and cattle. You want a picture of and interview with Harold Lloyd. To be sure. Inquisitive Ann. — Fire away, Ann. From the snap enclosed, you dont look a day older than 65. Good-by — ^you say you will call me later. I may not be so busy then. How old is Ann ? Dolly Dimples. — Nat Goodwin had five wives and this is what he thought of each of them, first: Eliza Weatherly, “Like a Mother”; Nella Pease, “An Obligation”; Maxine Elliott, “A Roman Senator” ; Edna Goodrich, “An Error”; and Margaret Moreland, “My Life Preserver.” Nat thought there was no time like the pleasant. Send for a list of cor-respondence clubs. Marguerite P. — Yes, Robert Gordon was in New York last I heard of him. Harrison. Forde in Los Angeles. Elsie M. — Alla vostra salute. Someone once told me never to drink a toast to water. But — well, what’s the use? Who said vote dry? Elaine Hammerstein is a Selznick star. She is the granddaughter of Oscar Hammerstein. Blue Eyes. — There are so many blue eyes. My favorite color for eyes. So you for^ve me, do you? To err is human, to forgive, unusual. William Russell is with American,, Santa Barbara, Cal. You say you have written seven letters, and mine was the shortest of all. Whoopee! Breathe it again! Luctle. — Yes, I have a date book, but not; for my social engagements. The first submarine to reach America was the German U-S3 which entered the harbor at Newport, R. L, October 7, 1916. She left in about three hours and during the next few days she sank a number of foreign ships in Ameri-. can waters. Yes, Lewis Cody was Stuart in. “Borrowed Clothes.” J. J. C. — No use coming to my cellar for I dont own a cellar; I just have the hallroom. What do you think I am, a millionaire? God must have loved the get-rich-quick dupes. He made so many of them. There’s no placehere for you. Sorry. Reta S. — That is one thing that I seldom bring to the table and cut — a pack of cards.. Cards are all right for an occasional pastime,, but most people use them like they do everything else, including liquors, not moderately, but to excess. “Daddy-Long-Legs” has just been released. J. Q., Australia. — You want a list of all. the players born on April 8th. Man alive, that would take some time. Theda Bara was borrt in Cincinnati, and not on the Sahara Desert. Wildfire. — You are too good for this world.. There is just one place in this world where there are no taxes to pay, no creditors, nocares, no worries, no distress from the heat or cold, no fear of the morrow, no dread of disloyalty, nor of ingratitude, and no pain,, sickness, or disease — the grave. Absit invidia. You’re all wrong in both. L. B. — You bet I love music. I play theJew’s harp. Mirabeau’s (the orator of the French Revolution) last words were: “Let me; die to the sounds of delicious music.” I think just before I die. I’m going to hire an Italian band. Harold Lockwood’s mother waswith him. Constance Y. — Charles Ray’s picture on the-; cover. Yes. (Eiffhty-four)