Photoplay (Jul - Dec 1924)

An Eye Opener Baltimore, Md. Ramon forever — and "Tennessee" will have an eye opener when our Rudy comes along in his new picture! No one can cut out our favorite over night. Valentino may have his faults but we in Baltimore admire him to the last. Figures show how well he stand1:. W. L. Bush. Kid Stuff Garrison, Md. This is a very large bouquet for Ben Alexander. I am wild about him. I have seen him in three movies, "Penrod and Sam," "Boy of Mine," and "Jealous Husbands." He is the best kid actor on the screen, J. Coogan excluded. A word for poor "Wes" Barry. Why do the directors insist on making him an Alger boy? Can they not do something besides making him a poor boy who captures a criminal and becomes rich? David R. W. Harrison. As a Spanish Dancer Great Falls, Mont. I would like to know why Mary Pickford's "Rosita" received so much praise and Pola Negri's "Spanish Dancer" was regarded as just another movie? Of course, Miss Pickford had Ernst Lubitsch, a skilled director, but as a Spanish girl she was still Maty Pickford dressed in Spanish costumes. I hold no dislike for Mary, in fact I consider her one of the screen's greatest personages, but never once did she suggest a fiery street singer. As for Pola, there was a real Spaniard! I had no trouble understanding her popularity at the carnival and with the royal gentlemen. Tony Moreno was a lovable Don Caesar. L. SORLE WlLLARD. May in Java Semarang, Java. sBeing a faithful and enthusiastic reader of your exceptionally interesting magazine, I venture to ask you whether you can not make such arrangements in future that readers in far off countries, as, for instance, me, get a chance to compete in your contests. I was anxiously awaiting the January number with the sixty screen beauties, and when it arrived hereon the 2nd inst. I naturally was very disappointed to see that votes had to be sent in before the first of this month. MISS MAY MacAVOY in my eyes, shows — what you yourself call so justly — "inward lowliness ranking with harmony of features." I still beg to observe that to my astonishment (and also regret) I missed in your gallery a photograph of Leatrice Joy. This does not mean, however, that I would have given my vote to her, because, although I like her countenance very much indeed, I think her always laughing eyes betray too much naughtiness, and this is something I would not give my vote to in this special contest. But please do not tell her! Looking forward to more such interesting contests and — if possible — to your compliance with my request, I am, May MacAvoy Fan. Lovable Loving Atlanta, Ga. After seeing last night my favorite actor, Conway Tearle, in his latest picture, " Lilies of th>; Field," please let me say a word of praise for him and his most able and charming leading lady, Corinne Griffith. All the world loves a lover, and to my mind this is the most lovable pair of lovers on the screen. Minnie Lee. 12 Brickbats Bouquets LETTERS FROM READERS The readers of Photoplay are invited to write this department — to register complaints or compliments— to tell just what they think of pictures and players. We suggest that you express your ideas as briefly as possible and refrain from severe personal criticism, remembering that the object of these columns is to exchange thoughts that may bring about better pictures and better acting. Be constructive. We may not agree with the sentiments expressed, but we'll publish them just the same! Letters should not exceed 200 words and should bear thewriter'sf till name and address. Mae's Best Mount Vernon, N. Y. I noticed in March Photoplay Magazine, M. S. Jacobs' remarks about Mae Murray not being able to act. I wonder if he saw her in "Fashion Row"? If so, he could not make that statement. G. H. Eric's Other Role Los Angeles, Cal. Many persons must be wondering, as I am, if Erich von Stroheim is ever going to return to the screen. I consider him one of the foremost actors appearing before the camera. C. T. Still Faithful Indianapolis, Ind. Your April issue of Photoplay was very good, especially your article "What Kind of Men Attract Women Most," which gave praise to the late Wally Reid. Any articles on Wally Reid will surely be appreciated by the sender of this letter. " A Reader of Photoplay." From Beacon Street Boston, Mass. As the spokeswoman for a movie club may I ask if Photoplay will give us more about Monte Blue. His splendid work in "The Marriage Circle," sustaining the difficult part of a bewildered and harassed man, between a hard-boiled husband and a spicy wise owl of a friend, was to our mature minds a wonderful rendering. There was such a chance for overacting! Not the least of his attractiveness is his ability to handle his bigness gracefully and easily, and to wear his clothes like a real man and not a tailor's dummy. Mrs. G. J. Prescott. Our Finest Actress This is entirely in praise of Gloria Swanson, who, to me, is our finest actress. I think she has received many unjust criticisms. She has proved her worth in "The Humming Bird" and in "A Society Scandal." D. Gloman. Finished and Fascinating New York City. The picture "The Marriage Circle" is undoubtedly one of the greatest successes of years. Mr. Menjou is perhaps the most finished, fascinating actor on the screen today. We sincerely hope to see more of him . I should think, as many others do, that a picture starring him, wherein he was shown oftener, would make a great appeal. Geraldine Peyton. Handsomest of All! Sydney, Aus. I think Antonio Moreno and Charles de Roche are the most handsome and fascinating men on the screen. M. Rod. Sad News Saint Davids, Pa. Oh me, oh my! What terrible news our friend, Adela Rogers St. Johns, has just imparted to us. Our beloved Rudolph has a flat nose, large mouth, and small eyes. Isn't it strange that, as often as I have seen him on and off the screen, I have never noticed these attributes? Our good friends Thomas Meighan, Douglas Fairbanks and William Hart are not handsome. I am afraid we will have to revise all our standards. We have always thought our Thomas a most exceedingly handsome man. We wonder how M rs. St. Johns would advise gauging our standards? Ben Turpin or Larry Semon? We hope we aren't too old to learn. We really wish Mrs. St. Johns had been kinder to the first named stars in her article, "What Kind of Men Attract Women Most." Noemie Webre. Speaking of J. R. Q. New York City. Speaking of pictures, I think that James R. Quirk's editorial in the April issue is the best I've read in a decade. His style and truthful though caustic comments do more to make this magazine a true representative of the greatest industry in the world. I'm certain that Mr. Quirk has the "courage" that Sir James M. Barrie spoke of when he said: "And he is dead who will not fight; and who dies fighting has increase!" F. Joseph Kenedy. Cynical Conway Providence, R. I. While reading the letters from fans in April Photoplay I was amused by the hysterical remarks of a certain New York City fan. She referred to Conway Tearle as not caring who he loves, nor how many in one evening. Now I have seen all of Mr. Tearle's pictures, and as he invariably portrays the cynical bachelor, or woman hater, with the exception of his role in "Bella Donna," I would like to know how the lady "gets that way." Gertrude Field. Nita's Style Montclair, N. J. Nita Naldi "takes the cake." I have always been impressed with the fact that Miss Naldi has brains to spare, and her "story that even' wife should read" proves it. I should say that [ continued on page 14 ]