Pictures and the Picturegoer (Jan-Dec 1925)

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10 Picture s and Picture puer JUNE 1925 MovieM^kir^ at Mcntei On the Riviera with Betty Balfour, Carlyk Blackwell and the Louis Mercanton Company. Never had the name of The World's Playground suited the pearl of the Riviera better than when Betty Balfour arrived in Monte Carlo. As the express from Paris drew in the station the platforms were crowded with "Wee MacGregor's Sweetheart's " admirers, and a guard of honour composed of waving handkerchiefs and hats was the appropriate welcome accorded to the popular star. In twelve hours " Squibs " had captivated half Monte Carlo with her winsome smile and her bubbling personality. As Betty Balfour, accompanied by the rest of Louis Mercanton's company passed through the. waiting room I heard a pretty French girl ejaculate : " She is like a bottle of champagne just uncorked." Many were the weird and wonderful terms of praise for Betty who lost no time in avoiding the crowd by sinking deep into the plush cushions of a luxurious cabriolet. Each morning before shooting began Betty was out and on the beach ready for her daily swim. Carlyle Blackwell aocompanied her, and so did many other members of the company. I met Betty one morning near the Casino, and inquired how she liked her new life compared with that of her many Squibs pictures? " I adore it. Never have I had so many beautiful jewels to wear, or such beautiful clothes and believe me I am very Below Carlvle Blackwell contemplates suicide. happy." I could quite well believe it for I have never seen Betty Balfour look more adorable than she did that day. "Louis Mercanton is a wonderful director," said Betty Balfour, " and so very sympathetic. Everyone in the company loves him. I think this will be one of the finest pictures I have ever been in. The story was written by E. Phillips Oppenheim and on several occasions he has come to watch us at work to see how the picture is getting on." " Monte Carlo " as this latest picture is called will be chiefly interesting because it will reveal the intimate life of Monte Carlo, the lure of its gambling tables, its beautiful villas with its flowery groves, the gay life and the gay people that have made this resort so very famous. One of the most interesting scenes in this photoplay will be The Fashion Ball, which was held at the Casino. It was the last great function of the season and naturally everybody was there. The Opera House, in the Casino, where the ball took place was packed so that dancing seemed well-nigh impossible. Thousands of amperes of light were projected inside by means of Mercanton's lorries, and so dozens of small arcs and spots gave the scene an unaccustomed brilliance. When Mr. Mercanton started shooting with .his three cameramen, half the floor was cleared for dancing, whilst the other half was filled with interested spectators who also occupied a vast number of boxes. There were many famous people present; among them the author of the film, E. Phillips Oppenheim, preferred the crowd on the floor to the safety of his box on the first etage. Lady de Bathe (Lily Langtry) also was there and ever so many more famous people. Never were more beautiful jewels worn in the Casino and there must have been several million francs worth in the boxes alone. In the little room, a sort of dressing room, at the back of the stage, Betty sat awaiting her " call " and next to her