Picture Play Magazine (Mar-Aug 1926)

55 A Star Turns Reporter The third of a series of pen portraits of the writers who are regular contributors to Picture-Play Magazine. By Carmel Myers I KNEW, when I undertook this assignment, that it was a dangerous one. Already, a little bird has whispered to me that Edwin Schallert has threatened to take reprisals because I let it be known that he is familiarly known to some of his friends as the "Deacon." And if that gives me pause, how do you suppose I feel at undertaking to write about Helen Klumph, whose opinions and criticisms command so much respect throughout the industry ? But I am committed, and must carry on. Of Helen one may say much of interest — Helen of the cool exterior, which belies the burning depths, the seething volcanic something which I am sure she harbors. She has that trick of coolly sitting back and, with impersonal mien — almost a hauteur — watching life parade by. But under that cold armor is the humanness, the live spark, that fires her writings. Helen Klumph is possessed of genius, which alone is something to possess. But genius coupled with fearlessness — ah, that is a" combination ! She is tremendously well liked by picture folk, and is entertained by them, but not as writers are sometimes feted. She is their friend. Her criticisms are sincere and unprejudiced. Sometimes she clothes her thrusts in humor. Sometimes they glisten cold and hard on the printed page. But she is sincere — ah, that is the point not to be overlooked. As she was in New York, and I in Hollywood, I penned a letter to her brimful of questions, pertinent and impertinent. (Of course, I knew her, anyway, but I wanted more recent data, and some detailed facts of her past life.) reply, in part, was as follows: "Forgive the delay, but I became instantly tongue-tied and self-conscious when I found out the secret behind your delving into my past. It seemed hardly interesting enough to write about, so I've spent this time trying to develop a past that would make good copy. But really, you can't do much along that line in two or three weeks, after a long and circumspect life — well, maybe you can, but I find that / can't. 'All I can tell you is that my favorite author, director, and human being, is your present director. I suspect that Paul knows me much better than I know mvself, so just ask him anything — and then don't believe him, because he is charitable by nature. "You may notice that, instead of my usual stationery, I am using copy paper. This must look professional. You may also notice that this paper, once white, has grown yellow while waiting on my desk for me to get inspiration. "The perfect personality sketch of me is to be found in one of Michael Arlen's books — 'Piracy,' I think. He describes a character as 'always straining at the leash, but never jumping.' " Fholo by Clarence S. Bull Helen Klumph is tremendously well liked by the picture folk. Her So much for that. The Paul referred to is Paul Bern. Unfortunately, studio plans changed so that the Bern production was postponed. However, I immediately waylaid the gentleman— in a ladylike fashion — and proceeded to HelenKlumph him. He needed no bribing or prompting. You may take Paul Bern's word for it — and he is a connoisseur of such things — that she has appeal ! It's not fair that one person should have so many attributes — ability, looks, appeal. Something should be done about it. It seems quite unnecessary for me to touch on her actual work. You all know her pointed articles, her vibrant interviews. She can throw bits of gossip at you that perhaps you've read in other current journals, but hers have the true ring of originality. I do wish you all could have caught the glimpses of her that I have in the past. Now heading a table of stars at a luncheon given in her honor at the Montmartre — cool, serene, witty — throwing in a dash of delicious humor at the right moment. Possessed of poise and chic that are hers by right of heritage, she can fit into any group or situation. Then I've seen her swishing through the entrance o£