Picture-Play Magazine (Mar-Aug 1928)

What the Fans Think 11 Ruth Taylor. No wonder gentlemen prefer blondes, if I may be permitted a banality. Her ability to wear clothes creates an illusion of height and dignity surprising" in one so small. She has a beautiful figure, a piquant face, and a charming personality. She is self-possessed without being conceited. She is not the Lorelei type at all — at least, not as Anita Loos portrayed her. Francis X. Bushman. The most charming man-of-the-world type I have encountered. He is fascinating! Much better looking in person and exceedingly virile. He has a deep, intriguing voice and a magnetic personality. Rod La Rocque. Again superlatives fail me ! Tall, magnificent carriage, impeccable clothes worn with the air of a prince, beautiful coloring, flashing eyes. .My allegiance to Ronald Colman almost deserted me when I first saw Rod in person— and, oh, how I envied Yilma ! Rose Festival. Seattle, Washington. Forget Valentino? Never! In August, 1926, the world mourned the death of Rudolph Valentino. It was a genius whom we had lost, an artist of the first rank; and an actor whose equal this generation had never known. Thousands, in apparent grief, crowded about his bier to catch a last, fleeting glimpse of the man they so greatly admired, while thousands more sought comfort in writing of their sorrow. His unfair critics were silenced, while his millions of friends praised him. Poets consoled us with all the beautiful words of heaven and earth. Even the great and the famous of other nations bowed humbly and spoke only with kindness and reverence. In the natural course of all this respect and love, an elaborate and proper memorial was proposed to perpetuate his greatness and to inspire others with his success. But now it seems that that was the end. A businesslike campaign for funds was never sponsored. A few fans fortunately procured the address of Valentino's manager, and they sent their contributions to him. The report now comes to me — sixteen months after Valentino's death — that the amount so far collected is insufficient for anything worth while, and that Valentino still lies in a borrowed grave. Where are those thousands of loyal fans now'? Again the critics speak. They are less harsh than they were once — but they ask us to forget our Valentino ! They misinterpret the dignity of our sorrow and call our words of praise "gush !" Come, Fans. Since it has been the custom from ancient times to build monuments to those who are loved and honored, let us all join in one sincere effort to raise that fund originally planned and to erect a monument in memory of Valentino — a monument of which all America can be proud. Conrad Arnold. 604 Holly Avenue, Apartment 1, St. Paul, Minnesota. What Does the Public Want? It certainly seems that a large number of directors and producers believe the public is afflict d with an inferiority complex — a taste for inferiority in films. Why should some of the best pictures be cheapened by a bit of uncalled-for vulgarity— like a fine apple with a rotten spot? Also, in this age nudity is no novelty, and most of us are fed up on it, while long-drawn-out love scenes are only poor comedy. When "Pajamas"' was shown at the local theater, a giggle was heard at the beginning of the love scene. In half a minute the entire audience was in an uproar of laughter till the scene was over. Scenes of affection are enjoyable, but only in rare cases are scenes of amorous abandon justified. The public is not wholly depraved in its taste, and it is time for some of our entertainers to realize it. A Westerner. Billings, Montana. Plenty of Room for Old and New. I found unusual enjoyment in the story "The Battle of the Stars." It is a battle all right — in a sense, a battle of the players, producers, and public as well. The latter are wholly responsible for the success of some players, while the producers are responsible for others. But, alas, there are those whom Lad)' Luck seems to avoid — those who have met with success and then mysteriously lost their grip. Of those who once were real leaders in the movies there are many whom we, the public, would welcome back to their former positions. Theda Bara, Mae Marsh, Clara Kimball Young, and numerous others will never be forgotten. What about those aspiring youngsters who have given great promise in one or two pictures, only to be left to drift away in cheap pictures without ever realizing real fame and success? There is room on the screen for all. and I, for one, welcome new talent and personalities, still continuing to admire my old favorites as much as ever. New York. Edward Huntley. Not Enough Praise for Lionel. There is one actor on the screen who is not particularly handsome, who never wins the heroine, and who never receives enough credit for his remarkable performances. Never, to my knowledge, have I read a word of praise for him in these or any other fan columns. Recently, this great man gave an extraordinary performance, in "Drums of Love ;" so extraordinary, in fact, that I was never wholly interested in the film until he appeared on the screen. His rival was the handsome Don Alvarado, and yet I fell in love, not with the latter, but, instead, with this remarkable man, with his hunched oack and his ugly, yet kind, face. Seldom have I seen such a tender and touching performance. He is Lionel Barrymore — the man who has never given a mediocre performance ■ — whose characterization as the Duke in "Drums of Love" tops a career overflowing with brilliant performances and who, in my opinion, has never received the credit due his marvelous acting ability. Come on, Lionel Barrymore fans — for surely there are others who admire this talented actor — why not write to "What the Fans Think" and say you think he is deserving of the adjectives which I have showered upon him. Show that you appreciate a good actor when you see one ! Anne. Now You Know. So ''Another Fan" wonders how Joan Crawford arrived on the screen ! Allow me, please, to inform you. By real, honest-to-goodness talent and ability, allied with her individual beaut}" and radiant charm. She has not only arrived — she is here to stay ! Moreover, I predict that before long we shall see her acclaimed — and rightfully — as the greatest emotional artist ever known. S. Bowden. . 34 Caistor Street, Stockport, Cheshire, England. Please Don't Neglect Billy Haines! Why do so few readers write about William Haines? I think he is a very valuable star. Why do so many American fans favor the passionate ardor of the Latin players, who may be good enough in their way, but who can do little more than gaze with burning intensity into their loved one's eyes?" Haines is universally liked — there is no question about that — but it annoys when no one makes a fuss about him, as they do about Gilbert and Novarro. Billy Haines is more than a smart Aleck. Any one who has seen him in "Memory Lane" and "The Little Journey" knows that he can be wistful and pathetic, as well as fresh and conceited. In "Tell It to the Marines" he stole the picture • from Lon Chaney. In "West Point" he gives .us another example of his good acting. F. A. Smith. 178 Kingsland Avenue, Brooklyn, New York. A Shower of Flowers. From the bouquets in my arms, I'm going to toss a bunch of gladioli to Ed mund Lowe for his fine portrayal of a difficult role in "What Price Glory?" Go on, Eddie, corner all the tough roles, if you must. Then get back into costume — the costume of a well-bred, handsome, manly fellow. You're great and versatile, Eddie, but you're just the old, likable Edmund Lowe, whether you're talkingtough out of the corner of your mouth or using refined language. Lars Hansen is a player who seems to live his parts. His acting grips you, holds you spellbound, and he dominates every scene. He was superb in "Captain Salvation," "Fl^sh and the Devil," and "The Scarlet Letter." A bouquet of roses for Leatrice Joy, whose smile is like a summer breeze. Laura La Plante who is as cute as they come, and a first-class comedienne to boot ; and flowers for the old reliables who have come back — Alice Lake and William Russell. Florence Owens. San Francisco, California. Justified Ravings. Well, fans, I've just seen ''Seventh Heaven !" What words can I find to express my heartfelt appreciation of the sincere beauty of this production? And Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell ! What a lovely glow of beauty they shed upon their sordid surroundings, and what real feeling they put into their characterizations ! They were such a perfect. Diane and Chico that I fear I shall not be able to see them in any other roles with the same enjoyment. This wonderful production left me with one regret. If only "Seventh Heaven" were an example of our average production ! And why do we have to wait from year to year for one exceptional picture like this? Doesn't a picture as splendid as "Seventh Heaven" make you realize that ordinary program pictures are more or less a waste of time and money? If my word has any influence — which, of course, it has not — my slogan would be — and is — "Down With Mediocrity!" Captain Ravenshaw. Chicago, Illinois. A Symphony of Stars. My favorites suggest to me various compositions and composers. Lillian Gish, for example, is, in her sweet, sedate restraint, suggestive of Mendelssohn's compositions.