Photo-Play World (December 1918)

IN MEMORIAM H AROLD PARRY QUICKSALL, first managing editor of the Photo-Play World is dead, a victim of the deadly scourge of influenza, which swept the nation. That he, though only 27 years old, should answer the “Taps” of life is unseemly, and his passing robs the great motion picture industry of a potent force for betterment. Better, cleaner and more elevating moving pictures has been the basic principle of Mr. Quicksall’s connec- tion with this thriving medium of entertainment and education. His qualifications to judge the requisite elements to gain his elevated goal, is attested by the fact that the keenest stu- dents of the art of acting, both on the stage and screen, had admitted Mr. Quicksall to a place among the foremost critics of the nation. His editorials, appear- ing in this magazine and many times directed against the natural im- pulses of those in the motion picture field more sensationally inclined, were grounded upon a thorough knowledge of his subject. This insight to stage and screen work, coupled with a fairmind- edness seldom evidenced among present day critics, made him a wholesome credit to his profession. Not alone did the photo- play benefit by Mr. Quick- sall’s constant battle for elevating entertainment, but everything with which he was associated felt this influence. Better music and literature were among his consistent demands. As dramatic and music critic of the Philadelphia North American and as a contributor to the Christian Science Monitor, of Boston; the Outlook and Book News Monthly, upon topics of his calling, Quicksall always demanded the very highest product of enlightened brains. One of the foremost dramatic writers and composers in this country opce said of Mr. Quicksall: “Quicksall, to my mind, though still in the develop- ment stage, ranks among the most constructive critics of stagecraft and music in the United States. His keen vision and unusual insight to the art of acting, and his remarkable knowledge of music composition, make him a most valuable asset to the world of art. I predict for Quicksall an honor-place among the authorities of the world on drama and music before many years pass.” True sincerity of purpose, as we who worked with him know, was the underlying principle of Mr. Quick- sall’s relentless fight for the public’s benefit. At times his comment upon things dramatic and musical were probably harsh, but it was only because he honestly believed his opinions and possessed the unalterable courage of his convictions. It was one of his pet desires to establish the “first line of defense” for the photoplay industry in the studios, to offset the unconscious will to destruction of a probably well-meaning sphere of bigoted persons with a legal right to censor art. While fully in accord with the spirit of censor- ship laws and insisting upon a high standard with which to make photo- plays conform, still Mr. Quicksall fought continu- ously against the ap- pointment of persons to the boards who had little or no knowledge of the art they were passing upon. It was his contention that persons, no matter how well versed in litera- ture or how high a position they held socially or ecclesiastically, were not qualified to censor unless they also had an intimate working knowl- edge of their subject. Aside from his extensive critical and editorial work, Mr. Quicksall was one of the most active promoters of the great Liberty Sing movement, which has, since its inception in Philadelphia, extended to every section of the nation. While the Photo-Play World will miss an ability such as Mr. Quicksall’s, our personal grief at the loss of such an association is unbounded. He was born at Bristol, Pa., June 23, 1891, and was educated in the public schools of the Keystone State and the University of Pennsylvania. He was a member of the Friars’ Club of New York, and the Sketch Club. He is survived by a widow, a daughter, three years old; a mother and sister. Mr. Quicksall was the son of the late Rev. Fred Foster Quicksall. HAROLD PARRY QUICKSALL — The Editors