Picture Play Magazine (Mar-Aug 1916)

The Picture Oracle 311 are right in thinking William S. Han is the best actor in Western roles. So you don't think there are enough "Cowboy and Indian" pictures? I'll see what I can do for you. Kerrigan's latest film is "The Pool of Flame" (Universal-Red Feather). Of the actresses you mention I like Theda Bara's work the best. I would like to do as you say regarding "Little Mary," but alas and alack, I don't believe she would let me. Nellie S. — Address Dorothy Gish and Constance Talmadge at the Triangle-Fine Arts Studio, in Los Angeles ; Theda Bara, care of the Fox Company, New York City ; Mary Pickford, care of the Famous Players, New York City; and Edith Storey, Yitagraph, Brooklyn, New York. George Burtz. — Sorry, my boy, but I cannot tell you how to become a picture player. Better stick to "home, sweet home." H. L. R. — Olga Petrova was starred in "What Will People Say?" (Metro'), Wyoming. — Enjoyed your letter exceedingly, and am still chewing the gum you sent. Yery thoughtful of you. I am sure. Thanks. The date of ATiolet Mersereau's birth is a deep secret, but she is still in her "teens." Yery kind of her to send you so many letters and pictures ; you are a lucky youth ! Sorry, I cannot answer about Pearl White, but it is against the rules. Why not write her personally? The most versatile actress on the screen? Bessie Barriscale without a doubt. Did you see her in "The Cup of Life," "The Mating," and "The Painted Soul" (all Mutual) ? Each picture was distinctly different, and her portrayals were absolutely perfect. Do I ever get tired answering questions? No, and I have to live, anyway, you know. Billy. — Your letter looked so nice and short that I thought I was going to have an easy time answering it. But I was wrong ! I take my life in my hands with the answer, I know, but I'm a brave man. No one ever '■trimmed" me yet — I run too fast ! You want to know the greatest cast possible. All right, here goes : Leading man, Henry Walthall; leading lady, Bessie Barriscale; juvenile, Wallace Reid ; ingenue, Mae Marsh ; character man, Frank Keenan ; character woman, it's a toss-up between Anna Little and Norma Talmadge ; villain, Harry Carey ; villainess. Theda Bara ; old man, Thomas Commerford ; old lady, Mary Maurice; little boy, Bobby Connelly; little girl. Thelma Salter. The director for these stars would be D. W. Griffith, of course, with Billy Bitzer at the camera. C. Gardner Sul livan or J. G. Hawkes would be able to turn out a scenario good enough for this all-star aggregation. This has been an awful job, but I've tried my best to be fair. Possibly some of you readers can name a cast that will equal this, but I defy you to give a better one. C. H. S. — Ah, ha! We have a comedian with us ! Is Pearl White, you ask. She was last time I saw her. Theda Bara's name is Theda Bara. A photo-player's tears are sincere— if he's crying over a cut in salary. Your chance of becoming a star is about one in half a million. Guess you'll stay home now, eh, what? I spoke to Theda Bara the other day, and said you wanted to know if she played opposite Air. Campbell on the Sahara Desert. She said no. Tell me the company he is with, and I will look him up — really. For your other questions, see answer to Jewell Broadway. Kully. — Dustin Farnum has played with Lasky, Ince-Triangle, and is now with Pallas Pictures, Paramount. Enid Markey's latest release was "Between Men" (Ince-Triangle), in which she played opposite William S. Hart. Veleska Suratt is in Europe at the present time, nursing and entertaining the wounded soldiers. She expects to reenter picture work late in the summer. See answer to J. A. M. for "Pickles and Pearls" questions. The "Thanhouser Kid' was in vaudeville last time I saw her. I understand that the Pennsylvania State Board of Censors has blackballed "The Serpent" (Fox). Pity them in their career of folly! "The Iron Claw" (Pathe) is now playing. "The King's Game" (Pathe) was photographed in northern New York. Bagie. — I do not think that Dorothy Phillips is related to Augustus Phillips. William Courtleigh, Junior, who appeared in "Neal of the Navy" (Pathe) is now with the Famous Players. Yes, I saw "Neal," and I did not like it at all. L. A. X. — Yes, Warren Kerrigan is Irish, and proud of it. He says so himself. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, however. H. A. S. — Jane Gail is playing leads with Universal. She owns up to twenty-three summers. G. M. Anderson has left the Essanay Company. E. T. — Enjoyed your letter "muchly." No. Creighton Hale hasn't an Irish accent while talking. Pearl White is now appearing in a serial, "The Iron Claw" (Pathe). I cannot tell you her salary, but it's a lot more than I get. Yes, I agree with you. Pearl is quite a girl — poetry !