Pictures and the Picturegoer (April - September 1915)

PICTURES AND THE PICT'JR.EGOER 348 Week ending Aci>* ST 7 Picture Players at Play A BOHEMIAN NIGHT ON THE WEST PACIFIC COAST. HEE E i a glimpse of the Bohemian existence which adds charm to the life of the picture-people on the Californian Coast. The City of Los Angeles, being maintained to an appreciable extent by tourists, has many restaurants; yet it seems to be a fact that there is practically but one eating-place where on any one night numbers of photo-players will be found. Many of the players who frequent the restaurant are married. They may live in the city proper, or in Hollywood, or other outlying sections. A majority may drive in in their own cars — this is a town of motor-cars. Some couples make a practice of coming into town on one stated evening each week ; others may come on several occasions weekly. To the far-off player or film-man it is a cure for home-sickness to look over the big room and see so many he may know, either personally or by reason of screen appearance. There is quite a bit of " visiting" from table to table. A few weeks ago at the restaurant in question there was a stated gathering of photo-players, and for several days previously a card near the entrance announced the coming event. It was nearly eight o'clock, writes George Blaisdell in the Moving-Picture World, when the longest table began to fill. Some of those seen about the room and no attempt was made to compile a list — were Harry Walthall, Charles Chaplin, Francis Bushman, Fred Balshofer, Mack Sennett, Charles Aiding. Hobart Henley, Louise Vale, Franklin Ritchie, Lottie Pickford, and more than a hundred other players and big film men. There were cheers when Harry Walthall aro&e at the head of the tables and said in that fine voice of his, " I have the very great pleasure and the honour to announce that our fellow-artiste and photoplayer Charles Chaplin will nowlead the orchestra*." Mr. Chaplin made humorous reference to the large sum one of the papers had announced as having ben offered him. "You must know, of course. I have been working hard to-day."' he said;"] have taken a fall and hurt my elbow." The comedian removed his coat and immediately replaced it. He faced the musicians and shook at them a mane that would have done credit to the leader of the Royal Italian Band. Roars of laughter followed the gymnastic efforts of the little I'uinnaker. Suddenly it dawned on the big party that what it had construed as comedy was. as a matter of fact, real hard work. Chaplin really was leading, the musicians were with him to a fraction of a second. The body swayed; the masses of black hair flowed from side to side; the most temperamental of Latin bandmasters apparently had in his bag of tricks nothing Chaplin didn't expose. Stirring indeed was the execu tion of Sousa's "Stars and Stripes for Ever,"' and absorbingly interesting it was. too, to watch the serious, even stern, faces of the musicians. There was a hush as Chaplin's arms rested at the cutting of the last note. Then came a roar of applause testifying the admiration of the comedian's confreres and the general public as well. An encore followed. The situation changed from drama to comedy, and there were many laughs. " I am not going to introduce but announce Truly Shattuck," said Mr. Walthall. The old-time player put her hands upon the toastmaster's face, and the diners cheered. Then followed " Gone are the days,"' and nearly every one sang the chorus with Miss Shattuck. Martha Golding gave a recitation in French patois, and Roscoe Ar buckle told two stories. Harry Gribonsang: so, too, did Polly Moran. Leo White recited. Hal Williams sang " Tipperary." Tom Mix, who in Rodeo had been jumped on by a horse and badly hurt, was called upon so that the party could cheer him. Porter Strong, in a dance with au Oriental touch, made a lot of fun. Charlie Murray gave a recitation in blank verse; it was not a recitation either — it was more a speech. He told of the woes of a comic ; he praised Charlie Chaplin, and took off his hat to him. He spoke of Julian Eltinge. and of the dear old Burbank days. He said that there were many familiar faces in front of him. and that he could go down the line. For on Murray was serious, but he carried the rarty with him all the ti: "Our distil,. Eltinge" annouii Walthall, and! the ensuing ajipla " 1 anil grateful to be here," said the well-knowi impersonator. "I just came out mi a* little vacation. Now. I am i: to apologise for my voice, but mn throat." In the splendid singi . the "• Crinoline Cirl " that followed there seemed to be no occasion for apologising for either. Mr. Eltinge got his full ni^ed of hearty pra Ruth Roland was given a receptioa that indicated in unmistakable manner the affection her fellow-players U-ar her. She sang sweetly and simply "" Wrap me in a bundle and take me* home with you."' The screen l girls would not let h _ -he sang! "California and You." and the di: helped her in the chorus. This iplace to say that Miss Roland is a Californian girl— a San Franciscan. One of the hits of the night was that of Victor Moore. After an introductory talk Mr. Moore told the story of the Broadway newsboy — -'Partners.'' None of the pathos of the poem was lost in its telling. The speaker did not have to raise his voice; absolute silence ' provided for him. or rather the art of the actor and the heart appeal of the simple tale secured it for him. " < ' three thousand miles from here thei a little girl to whom I always drink every night when I am away from home."" said Mr. Moore, as he concluded the story of the " newsy."' " I'd dearly like to have you join me in drinking to-night to the best of girls, the best of pa my wife." Everybody joined Mr. M< And the foregi ine is just a part of the story of one night among the photoplayers of the Wi AN INTERESTING SNAPSHOT: Charlie Chaplin al Venice, California, taken a week or two ago 1>\ Fred Goodwins (the picture on left), who is playing with him. This will kill the silly rumours that Mr, Chaplin is dead, or mad. (See also page 355.)