Picture-Play Magazine (Mar-Aug 1928)

12 What the Fans Think •really first-class actors, and actresses. That doesn't bother this child. Norma Tal.madge is a wonderful actress, but I'd sooner go to see Myrna Loy any; time. I like 'em exotic. Bert H. King. 36 Court Street, Woodvillc, Near Burton-on-Trent, England. Opinions. May I voice my opinion? I think it is time ' Bailie Dove and Olive Borden ceasechposing and acted more naturally. They are beautiful — but' tiresome. 'Sally Blanc and Myrna Loy are the cutest 'of the newcomers! I think that Gloria Swanson and Mary Pickford are — weep at the thought— losing their looks; that Clara Bow and Louise Brooks are fascinating little minxes ; that John Gilbert, Greta Garbo, and William Haines are all "much ado about nothing." I have four bouquets — one each for Esther Ralston, Charles Rogers, Ann Rork, and last, but far from least, Charlie Chaplin, the greatest little trouper in filmdom. London, England. D. L. All a Matter of Taste. After reading "What the Fans Think" for many months, I have come to the conclusion that American fans are the most intolerant of their species. ., It is quite all right, of course, for them to have idols, but why can't they understand any one else having them? According, to them, it is nothing short of sinful ior another fan to have any other idol. , I am sure that a worshiper of Beethoven never gets hot with rage .when . another admits lie prefers Chopin, and one who loves. Shelley never becomes irritated at the crass stupidity of a Svvinburnian'. How isijt, then, that admirers of Ronald Colman just cannot bear any one who prefers John Gilbert? For me, I let the fans roar and rave, and stand immune. It worries me not a bit if all America isn't in love with my favorite. In tact, I would rather be alone in my worship. Why should I worry if others cannot see 'beauty where I see beauty? My favorite is Ramon Novarro. I would like to be the sole, exclusive admirer of Ramon. It would give me a private "kick" to be able to say to myself : "Can't they see the beauty, the poetry, the music of him? How exalted am I, and how low arc they!" Can't all fans please adopt this attitude? Muriel Daywood. London, England. Novarro vs. Schildkraut. Good heavens ! To ask Novarro fans w hat they see in Ramon, and then to sug-' gest. that Joseph Schildkraut is ten times better, is like waving a red rag at a bull ! I've only seen Schildkraut on the. screen once, in "Orphans of the Storm," and thought him an attractive and gifted actor, and as Tar as arrangement of nose, eyes, and hair goes, as handsome as Novarro. But that's not enough ! In addition to beauty of face, form, and motion, in no other star's face do I find the same distinction, strength, and subtle humor that is a part of Ramon. And for what he_ has done, I can think of only twelve roles he has played, and each one a distinct characterization, some better than others, of course, but bearing no resemblance to each other. In coming thus earnestly to bat for Ramon, I'm a bit bothered by the suspicion that I am nibbling at a bait, for it seems scarcely credible that any one could see "Ben-Hur" and come away with the opinion that Carmel Myers was the only con vincingperson "in the. film. However, if I am a poor fish, I will wager I am not the only one ! E. H. New York City. A Sincere Tribute. Why throw bricks, if you have roses to give away ! I will fill my arms with roses of sympathy and understanding and shower them upon a little girl who stepped into the limelight and warmed disillusioned hearts with her smile and enthusiasm. No, romance is not dead — not yet. Janet Gaynor proved that to . us, in "Seventh Heaven." I was there, with her, for a few hours on a dull afternoon when the world seemed cruel and gray. I forgot all my troubles, because there' wasn't room for them. For I was filled with admiration for the girl who' showed me a little bit Of heaven. What a masterpiece of genuine art — the art of human understanding! \\ Agn v Landstad. 352 East Fifth Street, Brooklyn,' New York. Why Criticize? I cannot see why stars are given such withering criticisms. Why all the controversy over Jack Gilbert? Why "pan" Greta Garbo? If they weren't capable of filling their positions they wouldn't be the success they are to-day. And as to their private business— well, you all know that "curiosity killed a cat." We all can't like the same people. Richard Dix is my favorite, but is that any reason why T should condemn all the other stars? Of course not ; yet that, is exactly what is being done by so-called fans! I have noticed that as soon as some one ventures' to write a few words of ipraise about a player, these stars are immediately heaped, with abuse from some one who dislikes them. I think if more people would take the stand of Jean Sal.adana, who contributed to the February issue, this department would indeed become, a helpful bneV ' Clayton Lott. 846 Rhode Island Street, Lawrence, Kansas. He Begs to Differ. I am not a John Gilbert fan — not a bit. I have only one favorite actor — and he is Gilbert. I disagree with the fan who said that he plays a role by using grimaces and facial contortions. He knows how to suffer, and how to be merry. In the "Big Parade," did die not give a splendid performance when he was stooping over the body of his buddy? And what about the scene when he returned from the war? My idea is that one shouldn't "say deprecating things about stars — for it may hurt them, and they have feelings as well as we have. John Gilbert is the greatest actor on the screen to-day. Sibilla. Harbin, China. A Visit to Richard Dix. If there is any one who thinks Richard Dix is high-hat or that he disregards his fans, be prepared to change your mind. Miss Esther Cottingham^ secretary of the Richard Dix Club, and myself paid a visit to Mr. Dix at the Paramount studio while he was filming "Sporting Goods." As we came on the set, he was busy with Gertrude Olmsted before the ram-, era. In a~few minutes he came over and talked to us, and, having met him before, I felt I knew him well. His first thought was to thank Miss. Cottingham for her splendid .work in the club, then he proceeded to get chairs for us, Miss Cottingham sitting in the one marked "Mr. Dix." In relating incidents or talking of a person, Richard expresses everything in such an interesting way, really acting it out in facial expressions. There wasn't a dull moment during our visit, which lasted an hour, and in spite of the fact that there were other callers waiting to see him, and the director was ready to shoot again, he left the set long enough for us to take three snapshots. Dix, as well as his fans, knows that he hasn't been given good stories, and that Dix, with his charming personality, alone has put the pictures over. Maurice Hart. 1053 So.uth Hope Street, : Los Angeles, California. Friends in Every Mail. . Mrs. Olive D Thompson started something when, a few. months ago, she told us of the friendships that have been made through this department. And now I must have my little say about the great benefit that I have derived from these columns. : During the last eight months my correspondence has reached the peak of perfection. I have received so many thrilling letters that it leaves me astonished and full of enthusiasm.' ■. One of my correspondents sent me John Galsworthy's "The Forsyte Saga" for Christmas, and all the others remembered me with well-chosen cards. What more could a person ask? What greater joy than this? Echo answers in the negative. And right here. I want to thank PicturePlay for making these friendships possible. I have been able to get pictures of Ruth Roland, my favorite, through the medium of these columns, and also photographs of other actresses who are big favorites with me. Picture-Play deserves all the credit for making such ecstasy, possible for me. Martin Boyer. 80 Hemlock Street, St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada. Is Olive Borden Unnatural? The writer of the letter signed "Diane," in the January PicturePlay, deserves praise for daring to say that "Olive Borden twists her face up into an artificial, mocking grimace which she thinks is a smile." The Borden fans will certainlymade it uncomfortable for "Diane." . To my mind, the phrase is well suited to Miss Borden. How can any normal person call her beautiful? I think she is an insipid and unattractive actress, possessing no acting ability. I should like to say a few words in praise of James Hall. He is by far the most: attractive and talented of all the newcomers. Could any one have equaled him for pep and enthusiasm in "Rolled Stockings" or "Swim, Girl, Swim?" Just watch this young man jump ahead and get the roles he deserves. Keep up the good work, James ; we're, rooting for you. Montreal, Canada. G. W. L. Pro-Gilbert —and How! For the first time I had an opportunity of seeing John Gilbert. In view of the very extravagant praise that has been accorded him. by you Americans, L expected fo see some one amazingly brilliant — histrionically and sartorially — in "The Flesh and the Devil." Perhaps I expected too much. I found him "a very ordinary actor, with a badly shaped face and a series of exaggerated poses. Perhaps, too, he was placed at a disadvantage, because Lars Hanson, in contrast, was sincere and fine.' Continued on page 119