Photoplay (Jul - Dec 1931)

The Audience Speaks Its Mind [continued from PAGE 6 Brown or Beery? "The Secret Six" has a multitude of sins, but the greatest was featuring Wallace Beery above Johnny Mack Brown. Johnny deserves complete and absolute stardom more than anyone else in the movies, and instead M-G-M puts him in a secondary role. P. C, New Orleans, La. "The Secret Six" is a splendid gang picture — well written, well directed and well cast, but it would be just another gang story without the personality of Wallace Beery. His humor supplied the balance the picture needed to keep it from being too tense and gruesome. Frank Allen, New York City. Opinions Differ — Constance Bennett is the most cultured girl on the screen. She has the richest and most interesting voice; even finer than Ruth Chatterton. Lilion McGrath, Montreal, Can. Why all this raving about Constance Bennett? Ann Craig, Asheville, N. C. When Garbo is ready to abdicate, Constance Bennett will be next in line for the throne. Evelyn K. Abrahams, Charleston, S. C. "It's a Wise Child" I really don't think I've enjoyed any of Marion Davies' pictures quite so much as "It's a Wise Child." It's hilariously comical and full of wholesome fun, so that parents can take their children to see it. Marion is better today than she was ten years ago. Austin C. Moore, New Orleans, La. Garbo vs. Dietrich Garbo is charming in her cold, dignified way, but Marlene knocks us cold with her flaming beauty and warm spirit. Jean Meredith, Minneapolis, Minn. I admired Garbo more in silent than in talking pictures. She is sometimes very difficult to understand. She rolls her R's and her voice is very raspy, while Dietrich's voice is mellow and clear and certainly no one can complain of her enunciation. Edna B. Stiltz, Bluefield, W. Va. After seeing and hearing Barbara Stanwyck in her third picture, my old favorites appear like amateurs: even Garbo. Mrs. Fred J. Tory, York, Penna. How anyone can praise Garbo with Norma Shearer in existence is beyond my power of comprehension. She is nothing compared with Shearer for beauty, personality and acting ability. J. G. Eady, Birmingham, Ala. I once said that Garbo was the only star who could walk gracefully — so gracefully that one forgot she was even moving. I now take that back. Elissa Landi can do the same thing, and more gracefully than Garbo. Albert D. Roehn, Chester, Penna. After seeing Marlene Dietrich's third picture, "Dishonored," I am still wondering why she is billed as an actress. She is charming and at times unbelievably beautiful, but all this does not make her an actress. Most of the time she's on the screen she wastes by smoking cigarettes and draping herself around chairs. Jemima Lindsay, Mount Vernon, X. Y. Silk suits and ensembles are recommended by Seymour for Summer wear. Therefore, this afternoon ensemble of Sylvia Sidney's should receive honorable mention, don't you think? It is a dull blue silk crepe with the three-quarter length coat trimmed in blue fox. The nattering small hat matches the fur in color. Nice for those cooler days A gorgeous sunset after a drab day. A glorious symphony of tragic notes and poignant beauty. A poem of divine loveliness. An elusive charm as of fleecy, fleeting clouds. A Being, rare and exquisite — Garbo, the Incomparable. Zelma Smith, Washington, D. C. Often imitated, but never duplicated. Garbo is as flawless as white ivory. Mrs. J. Y. I'dnn Lexington, Ky. Random Opinion* Tallulah Bankhead has the same personality as Dietrich. You are compelled t<> like her. Blani in si \k^, liialt-ah, 1 l.i. Alexander Gray, in my opinion, is one of the DCS! actors the talkies iiave brought to light ll< has a (me ringing voice and never does any unnecessary overacting. I prefer him to all the Maurice Chevaliers in the world. I Catanzabo, Port Said, Egypt Sylvia Sidney is a great actress, and a thrilling, different personality. Lynn I Yonkers, X. Y. What the screen fans demand today i Personality! This quality is forcefully expn by Clark Gable. Carol Dk kLos Angeles, Calif. • Why does June Collyer smile so artificially? K Mill RIM. I 1 I /, St. Louis, Mo. Fredric March's acting is real art. It is without the slightest trace of self-conscion or affectation. His quiet, dignified mannerand low, modulated voice are entirely pleasing. Evelyn Girau.t, Xew Orleans, La. Charles Farrell's voice is completely lacking in dramatic tone. D. M. Poi'iE. Forest Hills, L. I. Producers! Give us John Boles' productions with plenty of that golden voice. E. W. Hewitt, Richmond, \'a. All pictures are alike these days — wisecracking, dancing, scandal and crime. Why not give us something different? Cynthia Van Hleson, Meridian, Miss. Why do they give songs to Chevalier and stories to Garbo that are in no way worthy of their talents? J. P. Donner, Philadelphia, Penna. Lewis Stone . . . going grey in the film world and getting handsomer yearly. He has a finish the youngsters lack and an intriguing romanticism felt by women from sixteen to sixty. Licille M v Don \in Santa Cruz, Calif. Advice for Joan Joan Crawford is one of our most brilliant actresses. Give her more dramatic parts like "Paid." Ramon Tiiomi Xew York City. Why doesn't Joan Crawford get the hurt, sick look out of her c\ Charlie Job Webb, Greenville, Texas. [ please turn to page 119 ] 15