Picture-Play Magazine (Sep 1928 - Feb 1929)

Advertising Section 111 What's a Chap to Do? Continued from page 23 regarded, by at the Montmartre is Hollywood's film crowd, as hectically as the wine goblet of Cleopatra — but what's a chap to> do about it ? In any case, Jimmie couldn't marry any one yet, as, according to law, he is already married. It was one of those "war weddings." "I don't try to deny it, or excuse myself at all," Jimmie honestly asserts to-day, though no one heard him speak about it before. "I was like hundreds of other chaps, during the war. After a few months, it was obvious we had both made a mistake." Though whether you are married or single makes little difference in Hollywood — or so it seems. If you have a good position — important enough so that your name is mentioned here and there — and an equally good salary, you will gain many friends. A year ago Jimmie purchased an attractive home on the hillside. I make a note of this, as I had repeated invitations to visit him there. But, with one thing and: another, the visit was never made* To-day Jimmie does not inhabit his former palatial abode. "I let it, because it was no longer homelike," he explained. "Never could I get any peace. Night and day, people — sometimes several at once — were always dropping in. My friends I always like to see. But in Hollywood, even those you know only slightly, will take it upon themselves to visit you. "I like hospitality, but I object to being sponged upon. At the beginning, it seemed all a part of my first step to success. It made me feel popular and famous, but I soon realized that it meant nothing of the kind.'" As I agree, and I'm sure you do, hospitality is a gracious gesture. But when it turns into imposition, what's a chap to do ? To-day finds Jimmie living near the sea. He has a comfortable beachhome at Venice — the one on the Pacific. The completion of each picture sees Jimmie at his oceanic chalet, free from care — or most of it — living a happy existence, or as near as cne can expect. He has, so he says, only a few intimates besides Bebe Daniels. Merna Kennedy and her mother, Ben Lyon, and Charles Rogers being among the few elect. Speaking of Ben, brought forth reminiscences from Jimmie. "Ben and I took our first screen tests together, in New York, about five years ago. I was then playing in a revue on Broadway. Ben was acting on the stage." It took Jimmie some time to get a break in pictures. When he did get in, he rose with a flash. Since his debut with Bebe Daniels, in "The Campus Flirt," he has caused many a maiden heart to palpitate a few palps faster. Paramount, to whom he is under contract, realizes Mr. Hall's popularity. On the strength of his boxoffice value, he has been lent for several pictures made by other companies, Some have been mere program pictures, but at least two are worthy of attention — namely, "Four Sons" and "Hell's Angels." At the Hollywood premiere I saw Jimmie arrive with two or three friends — Merna Kennedy being one of them. The people lined up outside the Carthay Circle Theater gave a burst of applause. Jimmie had his picture taken, and bowed and smiled his thanks. What else could a chap do? After the showing of the film, the principals were called on the stage. Next to Margaret Mann, Jimmie got the longest and loudest ovation. He was recalled twice. Being next lent to play in "Hell's Angels," Jimmie appears opposite his friend. Ben Lyon. Greta Nissen is the allure in this film. It is a picture expected to give all three players splendid opportunities. In case you might think so, James Hall is not a bored man of the world. He takes things as they come, with pleasant simplicity. He is overflowing with ideas and suggestions which rarely ever materialize. He makes promises galore, which are never kept. He's only too willing to get the moon for you — but you'd, have to shoot him up to it with a cannon. He is more interesting than individual, and still possesses the instinctive urge to sway with the crowd. In a year he has altered to a great extent. When I first met him, he led me to believe "this and that" about him. Then he wanted to upbraid me 'for repeating "this and that." Why all the secrecy? Well, you see, the general public is apt to twist the slightest thing into something else. So what's a chap to do ? However, to-day Jimmie is all frankness about "this and that." Yet he traps me by saying, "This is in confidence, just at present " or "Don't repeat that yet " So, I whine, what's a poor interviewer to do ? Soothes eyes strained by ewing When your eyes become wearied from sewing or reading, apply a few drops of harmless Murine. 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