The Photo-Play Journal (Jul 1919-Feb 1921)

July, 1919 PHOTO-PLAY JOURNAL 23 ith a Glimpse of the Foreign Market for Films at Lisbon^ Portugal COMPILED WITH OFFICIAL PERMISSION BY W. EMORY GHEE NLIKE a bending bough which is snapped from its tree of life, never to be replaced, Colonel Thomas H. Birch sailed from this country about Christmas in nineteen thirteen, as Minister Plenipotentiary for America to that far-off land of Portugal, and with him went the felicitations of his many thousands of friends who wished him godspeed in his journey and success in his mission. He realized that his departure meant the cessation of association with friendly faces of those with whom he had lived for years and that in the years to follow he would mingle with foreign diplomats, in whose affairs he was to take a prominent part. Departing from the land of the free for an indefinite period, to a country of which he knew little made him naturally feel that his location there would be monotonous and lacking in social activities, but when he arrived at his port of destiny, he was overwhelmed with the reception accorded him there. Amid loud cheering and exultation, his ship entered the port, which had been dressed with wondrous beauty, with flags floating and guns roaring. He caught a glimpse of the cheering inhabitants, their beaming faces and their unbounded happiness. They knew America had sent them a man of personality, refinement and education. He had come to them as a shining star in their midst and with a full knowledge of American customs and manners. They lauded President \\ ilson for his choice and their confidence in America strengthened from that moment. They besieged him with questions of far-off America, and one of their foremost demands was to tell them of the motion picture industry. The silent drama had just begun to invade their country, and the scant supply was insufficient to satisfy their love of the film. They wanted more, and they beseeched him to make possible greater importations. W hen he assured these people that he would do all in his power to bring to that country more of this ever-increasing form of entertainment, he believed that his assurance would suffice for the nonce, for he saw the keen eagerness on their faces, and their anxiety to use him as their mouthpiece in their appeal to America. Colonel Birch knew full well that he had a greater mission on his hands, but when entering a new field of duty, the natural proclivity is to show interest in your associates. Back in the States, he saw the rapid growth of the industry and how the films were received by the public, and had often himself stood in line to witness some special feature picture. When asked about the achievements of the silent drama in Lisbon, he replied: "If I could but tell you how infinitely grateful I am that the producers foresaw the possibilities in Lisbon and exported them to this country, you would know how pleased 1 was to find them here. It is a great consolation after a strenuous day to know that there is some place where the worries can be dispelled and the lingering hours may be passed pleasantly. I never before realized how desolate a town could really be without a motion picture theatre. It fills the need of the rich and poor. Besides being interesting and entertaining, they are instructive with their weekly news reels and their exploitations of manufacturing developments. The people of Portugal do not have the facilities for education that they do in the States, and they depend a great deal on broadening their views through the means of the screen. American manufacturers should grasp the opportunity to advertise their products in this manner and the scope is wide in the foreign markets. The Legation has the name of several reputable concerns on their files who are constantly on the alert for representation of American products, and the more information and insight they receive of American wares, the more eager they will be to contract for them. With the markets gradually opening as a result of the cessation of (Continued on page 48) V ■9 ^^M Kitty Gordon as She Appeared in "Playthings of Passion" Internationally famous as a fashion-setter, Kitty Gordon sets a new Gordon standard in the gowns she wears in her latest screen offering. The secret of the wonderful charm of the Gordon costumes lies largely in the fact that the famous star designs her stage and screen dresses herself. These are characterized by a simplicity and dignity most becoming to her personality. One of the most charming evening gowns ever worn in a ballroom set, designed and worn by Miss Gordon, shows an exquisite shade of turquoise, a blend of green and blue, with a foundation of heavy satin. A bodice of heavy silk fringe hanging straight at the back and in front caught at the waistline with a girdle of velvet flowers. The skirt has three rows of this deep fringe and clings to the figure when in repose. In movement its effect is most fascinating. Noteworthy is the large ostrich feather fan with tortoise shell frame. A rope of pearls and large pearl earrings. Illustrated is a distinctive dinner-frock. Over a foundation of white satin is hung a shirred skirt of black chiffon, with six rows of heavy silk fringe. The bodice is of black chiffon and is remarkable for the long heavy silken tassels which hang from each sleeve. Worn with this costume is a blue velvet hat with magnificant bird of paradise adornment. Miss Gordon wears in another scene a full length ermine coat, with deep collar, edged with a double row of ermine tails. The coat is lined with American Beautv velvet. While movie stars are notable for the big salaries they receive, a fashion-setter such as Kitty Gordon, must, of necessity, pay out large sums for wardrobe. In this connection the following figures are illuminating, representing as they do the costs of some of the items in Miss Gordon's wardrobe in "Playthings of Passion": — Ermine Coat, $15,000; Ostrich plumes, $5,000; Rone of pearls, $100,000; Ear Miss Gordon In the Music Room of Her Home rings $20,000; Bird of Paradise, $1,000; A barpin of fifteen diamonds of over two carats in size and thirty smaller stones; Sahle coat, $25,000; Gold mesh bag, $2,500.