Photoplay (Jan-Jun 1920)

Photoplay Magazine — Ai)VKinisiNO Skc/i'ion 125 Cinemaphobia! IF you detest films with an uncompromising, unreasoning, irrational, "bitter-end" detestation, you might read what George Jean Nathan has to say about them in the Smart Set. George Jean Nathan and Channing Pollock run a close race as the champion film haters. Both, see red, grab for their sharpest pen, and write with 100 proof vitriol when they feel an attack of cinemaphobia coming on. Mr. Nathan seems to be suffering from a bad attack of photoplay indigestion, and his stomach simply refuses to retain anything that is seasoned with celluloid. "The Hooligan at the Gate" is the snappy, if inelegant, title that introduces Mr. Nathan's article, and here are some of the charges in the indictment: "More than any other force, more than any other ten forces all compact, have the mov^mg pictures in the last dozen years succeeded brilliantly in reducing further the taste, the sense and the general culture of the American nation. Like a thundering flood of bilge and scum, the flapdoodle of the films has swept over the country carrying before it what seeds of perception were sprouting, however faintly, among our lesser peoples. And today the cinema, ranking the second largest industry in the States, proudly views the havoc it has wrought and turns its eyes to new Belgiums." "They have gagged the mouths of almost every newspaper with a rich advertising revenue: if there is a newspaper in the land that has the honour and respectability to call the moving pictures by their riglil; name, I haven't heard it." "They have bought imaginative actors and converted them into face-makers and mechanical dolls." "They have elected for their editors and writers the most obscure and talentless failures of journalism and the tawdry periodicals." "And presently-^as I observed last month — they sweep their wet tongue across the American theatre. By the time this gets into prii.t, the moving picture organizations will — unless a miracle intervenes — have begun to get a strangle hold on the native theatre. In a year or two, save some mysterious Jeanne d'Arc come to the rescue, the American drama will be dictated to, not by the Belascos with all their faults, but by the Marcus Loews with all theirs." "For all the wails I have heard against you, you have — save in one instance — never been other than fair in your dealings with any i)ublisher or any magazine or any writer with whom, as editor and writer, I have come into contact. But, gentlemen, you would buy a soul, or sell one, for a nickel." Well, anyhow, Mr. Nathan has his views on the subject. If he would write with about one thousand percent more knowledge of the business his views might have some semblance of familiarity with his subject. But why argue pictures with a gentleman afflicted with cinemaphobia. It's an incurable disease. Then too, everyone has a right to his own idea of pleasure (i8th amendment excepted) and if the gifted George Jean didn't have something to pick on he would be the unhappiest man in the world. You've got to pass the cake to him — he's no Pollyanna. THREE YEARS TO PAY for thie beautiful MEISTER PEANO and a guaranteed saving of $10O to $150 Eight exquisite styles to choose from and the one you select will be sent to you on 30 DAYS FREE TRIAL — ALL FREIGHT PREPAID If you like the piano we will sell it to vou on small monthly Rayments to suit your convenience as low as $7 per month. lo cash deposit asked. No interest on payments. No extras of any kind. Stool free with piano. Write today for our 100 Fage illustrated catalog in the natural colors of the wood, t'a free. If you are interested in player-pianos send for our free catalog. We have a fine selection. Rothschild & Company, Dept. P. M.-4, Chicago, III. Yours Through This Wonderful IVcw Method A strong clear, forceful voiie is one of the greatest business and social assets you can possess. People are instantly attracted to the man or woman whose voice reveals a rich quality or resonance and power. Don't euvv the perfect voice when it is actually within your reach! A few moments a day in your own home devoted (o thj remai u.iole Feiichtinger Method will bring surprising results in an uinisnnlly ehort time. If >oui'voice is harsh, husl<y, dronin;:, weak, stuttering, stammering or lisjiing tijisnew method can work wonders for you. Voice Culture Book PRFF Write today for our free rilljl-i illustrated book on voice culture which we will j?ladly send you without obHgation. Find out why the perfect voice is such a success magrnet. Read what hundreds of satisfied students have written us. Learn how tjiis remarkable course may help you as it has helped thousands oi others— among them European opera stars, speakers and men and women inevery walk of life. SEND A POSTAL TO-DAY PERFECT VOICE INSTITUTE, Sludlo9535 1922 Sunnysde Ave., CHIC&GO. ILL. Wlieii you write to advertisers please mention PHOTOPLl.\Y MAGAZINE,