Pictures and the Picturegoer (Jan-Dec 1924)

66 " Just a word in praise of J that wonderful actress, Pola Negri, who, I notice, has been the object of much slamming by Up ! Fans ! critics, real, And At 'Em ! and would be. Everyone seems to be throwing brickbats. Doesn't anyone admire her? If so, what are they about to allow her to be criticised without uttering a word of protest. Come on, Negri fans ! Up for the defence. Don't let Pola be chipped to bits. She's an honest to goodness actress, and I'll always stand by her if nobody else will. Words cannot express my admiration for her." — Defender of Pola (Kent). thought perhaps readers of PICTUREGOER would like to hear how fortunate I have been when writing to my favourite Stars," writes C. R. A Fortunate (Manor Park). Film Fan. During Rudolph's stay over here, I sent him a photo which he kindly autographed for me and which means a great deal to me. Prom Monte Blue I had a very interesting letter signed just " Monte " and with it a photo autographed " To Cynthia from Monte." Dorothy Mackaill, with whom I fell in love after seeing The Fighting Blade, autographed her photo this way : ' To Cynthia Ridler, Sincerely yours, etc' It was not written, however, but pen painted in white, which shows how thoughtful and painstaking some stars are with their mail. Lila Lee wrote me a delightful note, also Alice Calhoun, and 1 have had short epistles from Norman Kerry and Virginia Valli. And now, before closing, I must sav how very much I enjoy PICTUREGOER and — the pictures of Rudolph Valentino therein. It's a hint for more, and I'm hoping you will oblige. Just because our dearly beloved Wally has passed away," moans If '«//v,v;;'( London, S.W.), " is it fair to expect his matchless work to die with him? Wally Semper Fidclis. is one whom the gods loved — lie had to die youm;, but his work mustn't die. Can't you, Mr. Thinker, please buck up the rest of the Clan Wallace? I always think Picture s and Pic hjre$oer of Wally as a draught of clean, fresh, joy-giving air. Valentino of the rolling eyes is incense-laden air, heavy and lulling, but never invigorating. Wally, with his perfect features, splendid physique, gay, boyish smile and laughing eyes was the embodiment of youthful zest, the very spirit of the Great Outdoors. He had none of Valentino's sophistication, though he was clever and cultured. He had the sensitiveness, chivalry, and pace of a refined nature, yet the jaw and fists of a born fighter. His smile was his greatest asset. Valentino's smile wins him victories — Wally's won him — faithful friends. Wally Reid shook hands with the world when he smiled. Please print these few lines. They may serve as a further plea for a general Rally." " T agree with Chaplinmaniac (Surbiton), re Keaton and Semon," writes Duke of Monmouth (London). " Yet when I went to The Four Horsemen, I had A Mixed Grill, hardly finished drying my eyes at the , end before the audience were in shrieks of laughter over Larry Semon's antics. Charlie Chaplin is undoubtedly apart from all other comedians, and has anybody noticed that in every one of his films there is something unmistakably English, which proves that a man cannot belong to any nation but the one he was born in. ' For he himself has said it And it's greatly to his credit, SEPTEMBER 1924 He remains an Englishman !' Apropos of Peter Pan, has anybody thought of Peter Dear ? I should like to kno»v how many people really like Baby Peggy and Jackie Coogan — they would keep me away from any cinema. Child prodigies have always been an abomination, but it is a great relief to know that we have child actors of our own who can compete easily with those two in point of talent, and yet they never make their presence in a film too obvious. Films are not written especially to show off their pretty tricks till the audience are mesmerised. Maurice Thompson, Peter Dear, and Bunty Foss (whose work in This Freedom in the opening scenes was wonderful) I think are equal to any Yankee kid." [I agree wit h you my lord Duke that the genus yclept is sometimes an abomination. But think of Jackie Coogan, and Bobby Connelly, and Breezy Eason, and hold your peace.] " Come fans seem to be quite incapable of appreciating a star without running down others, even when the others are too different for intelligent compariTakiiig up the son. I cordially Cudgels. agree with ' S.S.M ' that Milton Sills is a good, natural actor, but why the diatribe against ' Valentino, Novarro and Novello?' Personally I have a strong suspicion that S.S.M. loves alliteration — those three names do sound well together, I know ! I confess that I have never seen Novello, but judging by his ultra-artistic photographs I am quite prepared to take S.S.M.'s word for him. And Valentino, though he can act, is apt to be very stagey sometimes. But Ramon Novarro ! Surely it is only because his name ' goes ' so well that he is added to the list. If S.S.M.. or anvone else, thinks he is unnatural, I am sorry for them. He is always natural — just simple and charming and very, very beautiful. His versatility is wonderful and he lives his parts. Has S.S.M. seenScaramouchc? Praise Milton Sills by all means — he is excellent— but not at the expense of the best romantic actor on the screen !" — Balance. THE THINKER.