Picture-Play Magazine (Sep 1921 - Feb 1922)

Two Opinions on De Mille's Latest. I SAW "The Affairs of Anatol" last night. It was wonderful! In my estimation Cecil B. De Mille is the greatest director in America, with the exception of D. W. Griffith. Wallace Reid and Gloria Swanson did some splendid acting, but Wanda Hawley ran away with the honors. Nearly all of my friends left the theater as sincere admirers of Miss Hawley. Utica, New York. Anthony A. Abbott. We came, we saw, but we did not enjoy "The Affairs of Anatol." It was really nothing more than a fashion show, with a few impossible scenes, and our regret for having spent fifty cents to see it is so great that it will be some time, I am afraid, before I'll invest any more money in a movie. The best acting was done by Wanda Hawley — every one. else was extremely amateurish, with, of course, the exception of Elliott Dexter. I was sorry he had such a small part, but maybe that was for the best. Had they given him a more important part, it is very likely he would have disappointed us, too, and then there would be nothing to look forward to in his future pictures. The best title was "Honesty and Loyalty, Like Charity, Begin at Home." As for Polly Moran, we have been to cabarets, and no place in the world would tolerate a performer like that. It seems to me that producers who spend as much money on a picture as was no doubt spent on this one should stick a little more to real life. Mrs. W. H. McKinnon. 563 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia. What One Fan Believes. A remark from a close friend of mine makes me want to express my views concerning motion-picture actors and actresses. We were talking about the pictures when my friend said, "Those movie actors must be wild, or they wouldn't play in such pictures." Think of it ! .In this one line he gave the verdict of thousands of people, people who believe this to be true. What is the cause of this belief ? Here it is : A movie actor or actress is judged in the hearts of most of America's plain people by the type of picture in which he or she appears. Those who have read intelligently about the movie stars believe differently. Here is what I believe : 1. Movie stars are human beings, not anything more or anything less, and 2. Being human beings, they are like all people, some with good morals, others with bad. 3. We cannot condemn actors because some are not what they should be any more than we can condemn all millionaires, lawyers, or farmers for the misdeeds of a few. 4. Last but not least, I believe that the stars should be allowed to play only in clean and decent pictures, so the public will not come to believe ill of them. There are some who think differently, and I would be glad to hear from any one who can testify that what I have said is not true. Laurence R. Bender. Clark's Hill, Indiana. Let's Have Plays That Are "Different." We movie patrons must have variety. The really successful picture is invariably the one which is different. It has been the writer's privilege to see a majority of the best productions, both foreign and domestic. Above all stood Barrie's "Sentimental Tommy" because it was different. Artistic production with a careful selection of the characters made it an impressive and worthwhile picture. The wonderful work of Gareth Hughes as Sentimental Tommy will remain a milestone on the road of artistic achievement. We want to see hitn keep on doing big things in a larger way, with full opportunity to use the unusual talents which have gained f.or him such successes in the past. Peter Pan and Tom Sawyer are two of the roles he will perhaps play in the near future. When given the stimulus of Gareth Hughes idealism they will be immortal. Here, I say, is an actor the world will love — simply because he is different. Larry Bellman. Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Why Not Stick to American Authors? I am an ardent admirer of Gloria Swanson — that is, I was until I saw her last picture by Elinor Glyn. in which I was deeply disappointed. I am a Washingtonian. and of course was very anxious to see the picture. Miss Swanson's gowns were beautiful indeed, but she didn't act naturally. Every motion seemed to be studied, and it seemed as though if she laughed she Continued on page 104 Dictated By Heart Only When a person goes to all the trouble of writing us a letter about his likes and dislikes in motion pictures, we know that his interest must be pretty keen. He has no interest in writing to this depart= ment other than in setting forth his views, for no payment is made for contributions. The professional writer about motion pictures is of first impor= tance, of course, for he sees the making of motion pictures from the inside and can tell you the little intimate things about the players you want to know. But there is a big place, too, for the views of the writer who pays trib= ute to motion pictures out of the depths of an understanding heart, simply because he loves them. This is your department. Haven't you something you want to say?