Motion Picture Story Magazine (Feb-Jul 1912)

134 CHATS WITH THE PLAYERS his talents on the stage; so, eight years ago he made his professional debut with the Elieh Garden Stock Company, at Denver, Col. ; later he played with Miss Blanche Ring in the "The Gay White Way," in "Brown of Harvard," and in "The Right of Way." Then he left the theatrical business for the Photoplay, but he is still deeply interested in all things theatrical. "Both have their special spheres," he said, "and, unlike many, I do not believe the present dearth of patronage in the regular theater is to be attributed to the picture houses as much as to the faults of the present methods in the so-called legitimate houses. This is simply a cursory remark, and as such must remain, as discussion would be quite out of place. I make a point of seeing all the reputable productions possible, as the means of study afforded is great. This occupies a number of evenings. The rest of my time is devoted to reading, and dancing — fancy dancing. Hobby? well, my particular hobby is driving my car. And as Southern California has many miles of unequaled roads and scenery, the pleasure derived is inestimable. It is eighteen months since I relinquished my association with the Vitagraph Company and came to California with the Kalein Company. In that time I have driven hry car some 7,000 odd miles. Any spare time remaining is spent in the garden around my little bungalow, and my proudest moments come when handing some visiting thespian of my acquaintance a rose or maybe a luscious orange, that my efforts have been given to. "There is the one ineffable difference between the actor and the photoplayer. The first is bound to catch his one-night stand, but the photoplayer has his home ; only the actor can appreciate the differences." Thus Mr. Blackwell talked on, and I made mental notes as carefully as I could. I ascertained that he is 5 feet 11 inches in height and weighs 156 pounds. You want to know how he looks? Well, he looks just exactly the same as he does on the screen. You would know him anywhere, and I assure you that, if you ever come across him, just go up and say, "Hello, Carlyle, I know you well ; I am an old friend of yours," and he will grasp you cordially by the hand. He will understand. The Tatler. ELEANOR CAINES, OF THE LUBIN COMPANY It pains me to think that the darky bellboy, who carried my card up to Miss Caines' rooms in the Irving Hotel, Philadelphia, returned to me, grinning, with the information that she was unable to see me — too busy. However, this did not daunt me. I had made the hundred-mile trip and wanted to catch the "midnight" back, so I went to the writing-room and, after much labor, sent her up a note with' an appeal for mercy and an explanation of my urgency. She relented, and I found myself being ushered into her snug combination livingroom, library and study. The first things that I noticed were an animated loose jacket, a mass of hair heaped up in confusion above it, and a flat-topped desk covered with copy paper. Miss Caines was evidently at work — she is a fellow penman. "I am just finishing up a Photoplay," she said, looking up. "I know what it is," said I ; "squeezing out the last gasp — please go on." "But I've finished," she demurred, throwing down her pencil. "It's like running for a moving train that's pulling out — this writing." "I see you appreciate my own predicament." "Yes, let's get interviewed," she said, settling back. "In the first place," said I, "what and why do you write so intensely?" "Why, Photoplays, of course. Nothing more exhilarating, I assure you. Turned off 'The Sheriff's Capture' recently, and have just finished . . . Well, the studio hasn't seen it yet, so you'll have to wait." "Here's a foolish question : Fond of writing?" "Yes, passionately, as much as I love reading. Write, 'most everything — sketches, verse, four-act dramas — some of them 'stick,' too." "Please let me be late in congratulating you," I said warmly ; "it's strenuous work." "I find it rather a relaxation after eight hours afield or in the studio," she responded. "You see my nickname is 'Bunches,' and it may stand for my figure or for my irrepressible activity. "My roles are nearly all light comedy or ingenue," she resumed, "most often the vigorous kind. Did you see me in the 'Stronger Sex,' 'The Boss of Bar X Ranch,' or 'Father Makes Himself Useful'?" "I regret " I began. "Never mind, I was born a lusty baby and have kept it up ever since." She shook her head as if coming up out of water. "You know, of course, the exactions of stock company work. I was leading woman for Howard Hall, and for five years with Forepaugh's Stock Company, besides long engagements with Edith Ells and David Belasco — and I guess it toughened me for camera posing. "We do have to go thru experiences, tho," she reminisced, "such as winter mountain