We use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) during our scanning and processing workflow to make the content of each page searchable. You can view the automatically generated text below as well as copy and paste individual pieces of text to quote in your own work.
Text recognition is never 100% accurate. Many parts of the scanned page may not be reflected in the OCR text output, including: images, page layout, certain fonts or handwriting.
Corinne Griffith
finds a
FORD
A Live One, First Name James; And It's a Prize
By CEDRIC BELFRAGE
HE is not one of the well-known Detroit Fords. He ran away from home at the age of fourteen, whereas the Detroit Fords do not choose to run. He started his career with a second-hand, shopworn appearance. Two and a half years later, which is now, he looks new and shiny. He has a glossy coat of paint in the shape of a wardrobe of finely tailored suits.
When he started in pictures, he rattled — with terror — thinking he was the only one of a hundred extras on the set who was really noticed by the camera. Today he has had the squeaks taken out, and goes through a close-up as if the camera wasn't even there.
James Ford is one of the miracles of modern Hollywood. A miracle because he clung On as an extra for two and a half years before he got a break. Doubly a miracle because now, with a First National contract finally in his grasp, he looks you straight in the eyes, smiles, and tells you he would go through it all again if he had the last thirty months to live over.
Anyone who knows the heartbreaks connected with extra work in the studios knows what a miracle that is. Yet there are hundreds more like him in Hollywood. A man living up the street from me has been an extra more than ten years, and still talks airily to his friends about what he will show 'em when he gets his break. When that guy gets a break in pictures, Lindbergh will be married to Ruth Elder. i
THE PILLS OF DISAPPOINTMENT
"TADMIJV' said James, settling back comfortably in his A chair after lunch at First National studio restaurant, "I admit ther^ were dozens of times when it seemed hopeless, and I practically decided to give in. But I feel it's really been worth while, all this struggling to get a break. I had done a few bits on the stage in New York, but I didn't know a thing about acting, and I was self-conscious in front of the camera."
'And since using our wonderful pills of struggle and disappointment?" I queried.
"I've acquired confidence," he said. "Extra work as a training school for the higher regions of screen acting is just what you make it. The large majority of the extras get embittered, and sit around on the set playing cards, sleeping and reading. I was one of the hopefuls who are so taunted by the embittered ones; I never lost an opportunity to learn tricks {Continued on page 106)
Carsey
Another Griffith than D. W. qualified as a discoverer of hidden talent when Corinne told James Ford to step forward
71