Pictures and the Picturegoer (Jan-Dec 1925)

34 Picture s and Pichure tyoer MARCH 192; TKe Flappers Favourite Although this face has maturity, it has not yet hardened into a mould. It is analytical to a great degree. Optimism and practicality are both present in large quantities. It is determined, goodnatured, and somewhat unemotional. Although there are few original qualities in the character, this is one who is naturally tactful, good-natured, and sincere. This reading of the face of Mr. Lloyd Hughes has been brought largely through letters of request on the part of his many admirers. These appear to be mostly young girls, that part of the screen's audience which, more than any other, seems to fix the amount of a player's salary and demand his rise or fall. There is no doubt that Lloyd Hughes is popular, and it is worth while attempting to discover in his face those elements of character (which musit always supplement mere good looks), that have been responsible for his popularity. What I see is a brow of considerable analytical power, but there is not much indication of original or inquiring thought. Intellectually, at least, this is one who would be inclined to take his opinions unquestioningly from tradition rather than to examine his own reactions, and from them interpret his own beliefs and philosophy. Something of this may be due to the youth of the face, although, as I have said in my advance summary, this character is a mature one. But it has matured, at any rate, without the cynicism, insincerity, and ironical compromises which one finds in the faces of most popular actors. It is best classified as an " unspoiled " face. t note optimism in the mouth, and practicality in the brow. Plenty of force of character is present, though this is of a defensive rather than an aggressive variety. With this goes, too, a slight touch of obstinacy when the cherished traditional opinions of the individual are questioned. The face is free from any vulgarity or looseness, and is healthily clean in spirit. Although it cannot be called vain, it is intensely self-aware. So much is this so, that the character recognises its most valuable assets and its greatest limitations. It is said that no one really knows what he looks like. Lloyd Hughes has an unprejudiced self-knowledge, and probably comes nearer to knowing than most people. Although the disposition is an even one, there are indications of a quick temper when aroused. The nature is somewhat jealous in matters of affection. Although there is no pugnacity present, in the sense of the person who De Sola, the character expert, finds the face of this young screen actor makes its special appeal to the less mature element amongst movie audiences has a chip on his shoulder, this is an individual who is always prepared to defend his rights or protect his opinions with all the directness of a physical fighter. """There is much honesty present, and plenty of courage. Nor is there any trace of self-consciousness in spite of the self-awareness I have mentioned. His features bespeak the kind of character that may be termed the domestic type. He is naturally a lover of home and home life, as opposed to the restless, more Bohemian type of existence. He has a good disposition, as his evenly moulded lips inform me, and he has tact and kindness. But he would be inclined to be rather strict with those under his care, and somewhat severe wherever he rules. Easygoing as he is, when ruffled to the point of temper, he could show harshness mingled with a certain cleverness. He would know how to wound those who oppose him. So straightforward and direct arc his opinions, and so naturally honest and sincere are his traits, that it is safe to deduce he would have a firm dislike to anything subtle, complex, or highly original. He would not only fail to understand types of persons or situations that embodied these qualities, he would literally abhor them. This, as I read him. is Lloyd Hughes.