Pictures and the Picturegoer (October 1915 - March 1916)

PICTURES AND THE PICTUREGOER so V.'F.KK ending Oct. 30, 1915. 11 II II. i.^^TTWl GOOD FRIENDS, GOOD WAGES, GOOD FUN, GOOD WORK! "PICTURES INTERVIEWS BARLE WILLIAMS. T wits a bright Bummer's morning when, armed with notebook and pencil, [ forged my way into the Yitagraph studio. Getting into this wonderful buildiug is not so easy sis one might imagine. But I accomplished it quite nicely, thanks I. ) the Editor's letter with which I was armed. I had enrc-unt'-] <>d hundreds of extras, and came to the conclusion that there was some big production underway. Inside the big studio carpenters, scene-shifters, electricians, and painters were hurrying hither and thither, and above the din from saws and hammers 1 heard the voice 'if Robert Brower, who was directing a play in a l'ar-oft' corner. I stood watching the scene quite fascinated; then suddenly, 1 remembered the object of my visit. ■' Will you please tell me where I shall find Mr. Earle Williams F " I inquired of one of the members of the company. "Probably in his dressingloom. He has a big scene to do 1 his morning, so it is doubtful if he will be able to see you.'' . My heart dropped into my boots lure was I, actually inside the great Vitagraph studio, perhaps only a few yards from the great Earle Williams, and yet not sure of seeing him. Nevertheless I inquired the way, and after numerous directions and a vigorous search through a maze of passages' I discovered a door on which was inscribed •• Earle Williams." With a heart beating like an engine, I knocked at the door. Then cime a cheery voice from the other side, " Come in." I entered; and found myself in a small office. A boy in buttons who had been seated on a high stool when I had so unceremoniously entered, leapt oft' his perch and awaited my inquiry. " May I see Mr. Williams. please?" I asked rather dubiously. I gave the boy my card and he disappeared. In a few seconds he returned with a broad grin on his face. " Will you please step this way ? " Then 1 was ushered into the presence of this wonderful n A 1 >r. Good morning. Miss— :" the occupant of the room rose from his chair and came forward to mqpt me. So this tall, dark-haired, blue-eyed, good-natured-looking gentleman was Earle Williams. " Please sit down." he continued, "and make yourself at home. Y"u wished to see me?" •• Yes. 1 came to interview yon." I burst our. " To interview me! " echoed the actor, apparently surprised. : \Y. ll. " he added, smiling, " 1 have just half En hour to s] are before 1 am due on my big scene. Suppose I rattle off a few things ali. nit myself, and if they are not suitable we can iix up a time when 1 am not BO busy." •■ 1 was hom in Sacramento on February 28th, 1880, bo yon ee I am 110I sweel seventeen. Was educatecfcat the Oakland Public Schools, and afterwards went to the Polytechnic EARLE W A new portrait of the s College at California. Of coins-. ] nevi 1 dreamt of pictures then, and starti as an office-boy. Then I sold graraoph •Edison-bell-record' sort of stunt, yon know; but 1 soon got fed tip with this inactive sort of life, and in L90J I went on to the stage. During many years of stage life I played Wllb "eT-VD,xey' Rose Stahl :uid with Helen War-* in The Third Degree; but my last theatrical engagement was with George Beban in lhe Sign gf tjie }<:jSI Th-n I came into pictures. It was daring the guramer 1 f inn that 1 came down tn tli Vitagraph Company to get a summer engagement. I have stayed here ever since. And I am perfect!] •■ intent :•■ here I am. Good friend-, good wages, good fun. . work whatmorecan one desire? We are not like the usual run of actors and actresses here, yon know. We are just like one huge family." Here Mr. Williams was called away for a moment, and during his absence I tried to remember some of the many successful pictures in which I had seen him. I had got so far as Th, < thin, /. ■ • '& Si .. • ■*./'• ■ ice 0/ Duraud, Memories that H Lovesick Maidens of Cuddl The Dawning, The Med Barrier, Tver Women and T ■■ 0 Men, The Bqnd of Music, The -Test of Fritud.--hip.and The Thumb Print w hen Mr. Williams returned, and I ventured to remark somethingabout hobbies. ""You want to know my hobbies !" he inquired. " Well. I am very keen on photography, but my chief hobby is my work. I'm just wrapped up in it, and love every moment of my existence." " Exciting adventures, did ycu say!-" Well, every actor has some: but I think the most exciting 1 ever had was when we were playing the railroad smash for the blue ribbon drama Jitggt rnaut, I was nearly drowned then 1 had to leap from the train as it fell into the water, and as it was a bitterly cold day 1 got cramp. I am not a very str _ mi or. and the weight of my clothes soon dragged me under; and I am sure that had it not been for the timely assistance of a property man 1 should have been done for. Put lam still alive to tell the tale and act in many more pictures. Every time V think of cold water now I have an unearthly shivering fe. 1ing run down my spinal column." "Do yon get many letters ? " 1 asked. "That's this morning's mail," he answered, pointing to a. huge basketful of correspondence. "And I shall open every one of them myself." " 1 gel lots and lots of letters From your T>riti>h picturegoers. They write to tell me how much they appreciate my acting but 1 must own that pr;i due to my follow- actors and actre.oes. I could do nothing without them. I try to lire the part 1 am playing, and trust that 1 succeed in ILLIAMS. object of our interview. .