Photoplay (Oct 1917 - Mar 1918)

And George Did George Beban's ascent to fame was neither sudden nor easy, and certainly not made more so by Father who had other prospects for George. By Kenneth McGaffey A FTER you, my dear Alfonse! After you, my dear Gaston!" Everybody knows them, but did you ever stop and think back how long these two famous personages have been displaying themselves in the comic supplements? I don't know myself, but it was long before the photodrama began to flicker. Then there was a musical comedy version of Alfonse and Gaston which played the pistol opera circuit for several years — and guess who was the man who first played Alfonse? Mr. Beban's make-up for Latin roles is perfect. Not the smallest detail is overlooked. !?lpp^ shoots" a domestic scene on the Papa and Mamma Beban are Ta-a — da — the curtains move. Ta-a — da — the official announcer steps forth. Coughs. Bows. Coughs again. "Ladies —and — gentlemen." — (Pause.) — "I take great pleasure in introducing the speaker of the evening — the original Alfonse, who is none other than the famous interpreter of Latin characters, — Mister George Beban." Ta-a — ■ Ta-a — Ta-a — da. The curtains part, revealing Mister Beban in poses plastique of an Italian Peddler. Applause. — Cheers. — Curtain. Those funny cartoons of Frederick Opper brought George Beban to the attention of the theatrical world and were the first step of the long ladder of successes his popularity has erected. His appearance in "Alfonse and Gaston" attracted the attention of a theatrical manager and Beban was given an opportunity to appear on Broadwav with a real show and from then on it was 20