The Motion Picture Director (1926)

19 26 THE MOTION PICTURE DIRECTOR 39 eccentric dancing, and does a couple of hours practice work every morning before coming to the studio. “I’m always being asked, at parties, to do something to help entertain,” said Syd. “I tried singing, but met with no enthusiasm from other guests. I think I’ve about played out on magic tricks. So now I shall be able, when asked to help entertain, to go into my dance.” I could imagine another use for the talking sychronization. Indeed I hear that one very great picture now being made is to use it. Cannot you imagine the force and effectiveness of a few words coming from the characters at some tremendous moment in the story? That, I think, will be the use of the “talkies” in the “movies.” « * * * Topsy and Eva Controversy TT IS going to be rather difficult for Universal to find just -*■ the right combination of players for the roles of Topsy and Eva in the “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” From Lois Weber I learn that she is very anxious indeed to see Rosetta Duncan as Topsy. She also likes Vivian Dunfor Miss Weber’s idea of Little Eva. But it would be well nigh impossible to separate the sisters, for this production. Also the public has come to think of them together. * * * Anna Q. In Comedy? P OOR Anna Q. Nilsson looked as though she wei'e all ready for comedy, the other day. It was at the new First National Studios in Burbank, on a hot day. Anna Q.’s chair back had been freshly painted with her name on the inside of the back — it being one of those canvas chairs used by the higher-ups to rest in when the owner is not actually working in a scene. I never really believed those comedies when I saw paint come off in exact designs on the grand dames’ backs after they had been leaning against some picture or sign. But now I know it can come true. The stately Anna was dressed in a backless evening gown, and was resting gracefully in her chair. The director called her for a scene. Up she rose, and simultaneously we all giggled when, on Anna’s priceless back we read the words, “Anna Q. Nilsson.” As it happened, Ruth Roland had her initials worked in brilliants on the back of her bizarre evening gown, and she exclaimed that Anna was probably jealous of her, and had decided to have her whole name showing in the picture ! Talking Pictures Now \ NEW talking machine to be used in connection with pictures has come into the field. It isn’t likely that the talking pictures ever will be a reality, because nobody wants to hear pictures talk! One charm about pictures, in this age of noise, is their restful silence. But, outside the realm of pure entertainment, they will be valuable. For teaching languages, for instance. A picture of an object could be shown, and at the same time the student could get the exact accent of the object’s name. Interesting travelogue lectures could be given by means of this machine also. L tiiL LL I I saw a few “rushes” and a demonstration, the other day. And right then and there Stars must have their hobilies — so they say? Anyway here are Vera Reynolds and Syd Chaplin riding “hobbies” that look interesting. {Continued on Page 52)