Photoplay (Jan-Jun 1930)

"Well, I won't help you, because the result would break your heart. Can't you see I'm trying to save you from an inferiority complex because I'm so much in love with you?" "It's a funny way to show it. Fond of me, are you? What about that other woman you go chasing after three nights a week?" The luckless Pete was silent. He dared not tell her that the siren who lured him reclined on a shelf in the Public Library. The book was non-loanable and out of print, therefore it was impossible to obtain a copy, and repeated visits were necessary to refresh his imagination. In addition, with an eye to future color sequences, he had come across the work of Edmond Dulac. "It — it's not a woman," he said weakly. "Honest, honey, there's nobody but you." "You don't say it right," flared the girl, more suspicious than ever. "Now, you listen to me, Pierre. I'm thankful for my chance, and all that, but if you won't help me get ahead you can forget where I live. Understand?" M BOULANGER started to plead, then • drew himself up with the arrogance befitting a gentleman who had recently moved into an expensive and snooty bachelor apartment. "I stand by my statement," he drawled. "I know the movies." Miss Gale retorted angrily, for she had counted on surrender. "All right, you can just breeze right on by," she retorted. "I'm going to ask every director I see to give me a test." "And after they turn you down," taunted the scenic marvel, "you can come around and wail on my shoulder." His voice softened as he noticed the sheen of tears that filmed the grey eyes. "But joking aside, honey, you're not really ang — " He shied suddenly as the door thudded in his face. His nonchalance returned the next morning when Mr. Zoop, exuding praise, went into a huddle with him over the new assignment. Another story begged for aid, and the president gazed hopefully from a pile of cost sheets and dialogue sides. "You could put a couple crutches under this one?" he asked. The cagey Pete simulated profound study. "It's pretty tough," he demurred, "but I'll have it worked out for you by tomorrow. No snap judgment for me, Mr. Zoop. All I can see now is the treatment for the duel scene. Pull it off on a hill with the figures silhouetted against the dawn. Luminous paint on the swords and the faces. Drape a tree with Spanish moss — it's depressing stuff — and have the seconds grouped like watching ravens." "Smooth like a kitten's wrist!" applauded Abe. "How is it you never came to life before — maybe love woke you up, hey?" "Yes and no," said M. Boulanger politically. "Now, speaking of my girl, I can use her in that guillotine bit, because she moans so poignantly. We'll highlight her hands tied behind her back, the hideous faces of the rabble, and the knife. We'll depict unholy glee in the mob's expression, and horror by her writhing, helpless hands." "/^\H, but will that be a cheap death!" ex '^ulted Mr. Zoop. "No big expensive sets or nothing. And you won't even give your girl a break by showing her face? " "WTiat for?" shrugged Pete. "The audience will get more kick out of imagining the scene. And, in reality, my girl's a pip, but on the screen she'd be just another blonde." "Kid," said Mr. Zoop solemnly, "I hate to say it, but you're a genius. Most of the phony ones want to spend a million or two to give themselves a reputation, but not you. Any time a fellow saves me money, he's a genius." M. Boulanger grinned his thanks and speculated on a raise. "Four hundred smackers you'll get," advised Mr. Zoop, recognizing the symptoms. "And listen, you got such an eye for scenery — maybe you could kidnap a little youth and Photoplay Magazine for April, 1930 I 25 $2850.00 IN CASH PRIZES FOR THE BEST LETTERS 555 awards; cash prizes ranging from $1000.00 to $10.00. . . . Write a letter and win the $1000.00 award Somewhere in every heart is the perfect love letter. The letter you would write to the one person in all the world that you love best. Fine and true and beautiful, this letter would reveal the real you as no spoken words could ever do. Write this letter. The names may, of course, be fictitious. But Eaton, Crane & Pike Co. offer prizes totaling $2,850.00 in this big letter-writing contest. Read the rules on this page. The exquisite love letters of famous men and women may be read in the world's greatest literature. But the one high quality which exalts and glorifies them forever is their passionate sincerity . . . the same sincerity which you will put into the letter you write for this contest. Pen and paper are right on your desk. Won't you start now? These letters are not requested for advertising purposes. 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Identification: Your full name and address must appear on the reverse side of the sheet or at the bottom of the last page. Winners: The winners will be announced through the columns of this magazine. In case of a tie for any award, the full amount of the award will be given to each of the tying contestants. No manuscripts can be returned. The decision of the jury is final. The letters will be judged solely on what you say. Final judges: Ray Long, editor of Cosmopolitan Magazine; Fannie Hurst, famous short story writer; Emily Post, authority on social usage. t r * Eaton's Highland Vellum is a new smoothsurface writing paper which has won rapid popularity. It comes in blue, buff, grey, silver-grey, green, ivory and white. There are plain designs, attractive decorations, and beautiful packages to suit every taste and personality. Never before has it been possible to buy a writing paper of such unquestioned smartness at so reasonable a price. 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