The New Movie Magazine (Jan-Sep 1935)

IT'S A FAKE t^fer p; — — ic££~scRii^ No. 3 in New Movie's series of articles exposing the Hollywood underworld. The fake movie studios that prey on innocent victims By CHOLLY MARSH motion PlrTrrrT ~~~~~^ — cAs**G ZT stvdjo *°* ****„ ?Zn, GImERs *• ^op„oneP^oNs 3 sch°oJ. See YOU Ought To Be in Pictures." Yes, and thousands of people feel the same way. Hollywood, the home of the picture industry, is also the temporary home of more misguided souls than any other city in the world. It is easy to sell the newcomer, he openly expresses his desire to get before a camera — the others have the same hope, but the futility of their efforts has taught them to keep quiet. These screen-struck hopefuls must have money, though, for once again the racketeers have opened their fake moving picture studios, and the suckers are falling for the new methods they are using. These chiselers have a great set-up. And as the wouldbe actor is determined, at all costs, to get into a studio, they can't help but fall for this racket. You see, it is absolutely impossible for amateurs to get into any major studio, even though they are willing to work extra or as mob atmosphere. All these jobs are filled by the Central Casting Bureau. This bureau is operated under an agreement signed by all the major studios in California, and a severe penalty is imposed for any violation. There isn't a chance that even a personal friend might make an exception. Central calls these extras from a list of those registered with them. Though all registration has been discontinued for the past five years, there are more than 30,000 names listed. The NRA Code Authority has recently concluded an investigation which disclosed that the number of extras registered was far in excess of studio requirements, and has ordered that this list be cut down to 3,000. Although these facts have been broadcast many times, either people do not believe them, or don't learn of them until after their arrival. But the fact remains, the bunko studios are taking advantage of these unfortunates by selling them a questionable brand of training, as they prefer to call it. The law-making bodies are aware of this menace, and a few who were too careless with their guarantees and promises are now serving time in San Quentin. The major moving picture companies decry the existence of these fake studios — but the publicity sent out on the stars acts as good propaganda for their business. In the life stories of stars, they all express the need of some training for success. In other instances, the big studios, in their anxiety for publicity, are always ready to call public attention to some particular actor or actress whom they discovered in some stage play. And in California, one learns, some studios have a training department for promising young players. These training departments present plays on the stage, in various Hollywood theaters, to give these young artists poise, and eliminate selfconsciousness. All this is known to the would-be actor, and cleverly brought to his attention by the swindlers, the fake moving picture studios. Where are they located? Are they really studios? What sort of men own them? Who are the directors? They are located in various sections of Hollywood. Yes, they are studios, old, dilapidated joints that were used by independent companies, in the days of silent films. They still contain a mass of old useless scenery and furniture. This paraphernalia, junk to you, has been used to build six or seven sets (a "U" (Please turn to page 66) ILLUSRATED BY CHARLES MULHOLLAND The New Movie Magazine, June, 1935 Their interest aroused by the newspaper ad (see top of page), men, women and children pour into the office of the fake studio's director. What happens to them then is best shown by the shorn lamb behind his chair. They are fleeced so cleverly there is often no legal recourse for them. 15