Picture-Play Magazine (Jul - Dec 1929)

10 Wkat tke Fans TKink Richard Barthelmess' Deception. FOR long I had been a Richard Barthelmess admirer, but that is now a thing of the past. Fans and critics all over the country applauded Richard's voice. No one, it seems, could say enough in praise of the way he sang in "Weary River." And then the big crash came when it was discovered that it was not the voice of Barthelmess, but that of his double ! I'm afraid that if I started raving I'd never stop, so I'll just say that my opinion of Mr. Barthelmess wouldn't get him very far. This disclosure doesn't aid the talkies, for fans are saying, "Hasn't So-and-so a lovely voice? But then it's probably his double's." Please listen, you movie folk. We bow in homage to your beauty and acting ability. We pay hard-earned money to see your pictures — and now to hear you speak as well — you who have our complete admiration and support. Where would you be without it? Now tell me that. If these little Dick Barthelmess stunts are to continue, then here is one fan who is giving you a fond. farewell. I also notice that Richard's latest — which, by the way, is not an original idea, but an imitation of Clive Brook's publicity act — consists of heartrending pleas for privacy. Well, Dick, here's hoping you get it, to such an extent that you will have to plead for the support of your former fans ! Jean Betty Huber. Box 220, Morris Plains, New Jersey. Gary Pays and Pays. After reading Holly's letter in April Picture Play, in which I learned that Gary Cooper is upstage, I decided to see no more of his pictures. Gary has given me many happy hours, and I love him; but I realize I may do so no longer. Gary Cooper is high-hat, and we must not encourage it by paying money to see his pictures, to see him smile, to. watch him act, and' to love him. He is a great actor and the screen will lose a great deal, if he is forced to retire. His is a charming personality, and the screen will miss him ; but art and love must be sacrificed, for players should not be bored in making a personal appearance, and should speak to old friends — although I am often suspicious of these former friends. I shall miss you, Gary, but I must do this. I can't encourage you to become high-hat. If only newspapers and movie magazines would not tell us so many things about our favorites' off-screen lives, we would never have the chance to find out if they were bad, and we could keep on loving them. Fraser Macdonald. 8609 111th Street, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. A Fan Deserts Dick. I regret Carroll Graham's interview with Richard Barthelmess, who used to be one of my favorite actors. I don't know exactly when my confidence in him began to be undermined, not by interviews; but by little things said and done by the actor. The way in which "the rich voice of Richard Barthelmess" was exploited in the advertising columns, though the singing was done by Frank Withers, completed the process. I shall call invective on my head by saying firmly that the acquiescence of Barthelmess in this sort of thing seems to be dishonorable. He could easily have stopped it. Ronald Colman speaks of the "boyish waywardness of Barthelmess." But Mr. Barthelmess is not a boy. He has a right, certainly, to see any play in New York that suits his taste; but, remembering St. John Ervine's blasting criticism of "The Front Page," his choice of that play is a straw that shows which way the wind blows. S. W. Box 4271, Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. What Price Ear Biting? Five years ago I purchased two beautiful photo frames. In one I put Rudy Valentino's picture. I still admire the wonderful Rudy and miss him. That crush lasted quite a while, but John Gilbert replaced Rudy. I loved him for a while, but Bill Boyd made "The Volga Boatman," and took Gilbert's place. I saw "Lilac Time," and Gary Cooper replaced Bill. I surely thought a lot of him, and still do, but I have just read in April Picture Play that Lupe Velez bit his ear; so now Nils Asther is in the place of honor. Oh, yes ! I saw "Wild Orchids." The other ? Ramon Novarro. No one will ever take his place. R. M. W. 5208 Montgall, Kansas City, Missouri. Be Yourself, Joan. Joan Crawford, "the orchid girl with the gardenia heart," has lost her charm for me. Recently I saw Continued on page 12