Motion Picture Story Magazine (Aug 1912-Jan 1913)

a HAZEL NEASON, OF THE KALEM COMPANY The life of the interviewer has its ups and downs. Sometimes an interview is hard work, other times it is simply amusing ; sometimes it is interesting, again it is deadly dull. And then, to lighten our weary way, occasionally we get a thoroly delightful hour which makes us forget our troubles, and return thanks to the managing editor who assigned us the interview. I knew I was going to have a good time as soon as I stepped into the library of Miss Xeason's apartment on Seventy-ninth Street, and seated myself near one of the big windows looking toward the Hudson. For it was a charming room, everything in it seeming, somehow, to express its owner's personality. Heavy Mission furniture, lovely rugs and pictures, all blended into a harmony which was as restful as it was unusual. There was a piano in one corner, with quantities of music ; a typewriter in another, with a desk piled with neat stacks of manuscripts and letters : books aplenty, among which a fine set of Dickens stood out conspicuously ; and everywhere there were roses, great vases of stately, deep-red American Beauties. How I hoped that the girl, when she appeared, would fit the room ! And my hopes were realized, for the girl who entered, presently, and stood for an instant looking at me from under her long curling lashes, in a half-shy, half-frank, and wholly charming manner, was a girl who blended perfectly with the room and the roses. She is very young, with a beautiful, fresh complexion, a mass of dark, wavy hair falling far below her waist line, and clear, frank eyes, which instantly mirror her thoughts. "I dont know how to be interviewed." she announced, naively ; "let's just talk, comfortably." I expressed myself as delighted with this idea, so she settled herself comfortably in her great leather-cushioned reading-chair, one pink-slippered foot peeping out from the folds of her white silk kimono, and tapping the floor thoughtfully — but she didn't talk : "You were going to say ?" I ventured finally. "Oh.'* she exclaimed. "I was wondering what I could talk about that would interest any one." It seemed not to occur to this unspoilt girl that the public would be interested in her personality or her doings. I promptly decided that the usual stereotyped questions were not for her. and we drifted into a cozy talk, in the course of which I learnt something of Miss Xeason's life and work. She was born in Pittsburg, Pa., but her parents removed to Chicago when she was still a babe, so she remembers nothing of that smoky city. Her childhood in Chicago was very happy, and she remembers the primary schools there with much affection. Then the family came to New York, and the days in the public school at Eighty-fifth Street are among her pleasantest recollections. Miss Xeason has a beautiful voice, and the opera was the goal of her ambition; so for several years she studied diligently in a private school, which was conducted by a famous Italian teacher, remarkable for her strict discipline. "Oh, how hard I had to work." sighed Miss Xeason. reminiscently ; "it seemed there was never a spare moment. When it was not singing, or the piano, it was Italian study or conversation ! Madame was so stern, so strict, so exacting ; a fault was never excused or condoned — everything must be perfect. Xow. I am thankful that I had the training, but then, it seemed very hard. Then, vrlien I wished to begin my work, she insisted that I sign a long contract with her. I refused, for I did not wish to bind myself for so many years. At last I practically ran away from her. and secured an engagement with Belasco for my first attempt in stage work." "But you did not remain long on the regular stage?" I queried. "Two or three years; then I began to. alternate that with the pictures: soon I was doing nothing but the picture work." "You like that better?" "Much better, for myself. I love my home, my family, my friends, all the things one has to give up if one travels with regular companies. Then, too, in the Photoplay work the salary is regular, and advancement is sure to come as soon as it is deserved. 131