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89
Objects of Wrath
The newcomer who has too much personality may find his way blocked by the star.
By William H. McKegg
PERSONALITY is what counts," they say. "They" are the wise gentlemen of the movies, who iknow what newcomers should have. If you have a vivid personality, you are ripe for the studios. If you lack this especial "quality, or have not yet brought it into full play, you had better remain at home, for never will you be able to stand before a camera — except a kodak, held by the boy friend, in your own back yard. .
So the fact is clear that the movies need vivid personalities. Of course, latent ability is also an asset — but personality comes first. Don't forget that.
Gladys Du Bois kept this valuable fact in mind when she started out in the movies a short while ago. Being an excellent dancer, having played in various musical shows, she took it for granted that her personality was quite all right.
This young American girl, French on her father's side, English on her mother's, had little difficulty in getting extra work. Soon she was playing bits. Her personality won out, you see.
Recently a production was under way, starring a well-known dancer. Gladys Du Bois was signed to work in the picture for its duration. She was to play atmosphere, and also one or two bits opposite the star.
"This is where my personality gets me over," thought Gladys. Then she began to wonder if personality really was what the picture people rated it to be. This idea came to her when she had to play in some scenes with the star. The star saw her. Followed a conference between star and director. After the discussion, Miss Du Bois was called away. Later she was offered a thousand dollars to leave the picture and' cancel her contract.
"Offer me twenty thousand and I'd refuse to get out," she retorted, seeing her amperes of personality going to waste.
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Photo by Witzel
Photo by White Studio
Francesca Braggiotti's personality conflicted with the star's.
A certain star saw to it that Gladys Du Bois wasn't allowed to shine too brightly.
"I was hired for this picture, and: I'm going to be in it."
In it she was, but not where she had expected. The kind-hearted star saw that Gladys Du Bois was kept well in the background. All her bits were taken from her and done by another girl, who, less magnetic, was easily outdazzled by madame, the star.
Does a vivid personality help ? Ask Gladys Du Bois. Hers possesses a suggestion of the late Barbara La Marr, with the added attraction of her own individuality. No wonder the star refused to have her anywhere within eyesight.
Now let us not blame the stars. Stars must live, and not all are as sweet and kind as Mary Pickford. To have even one scene stolen by another means tangible loss to the star. If you ever become one, you will know what it is like. Every one for himself. ■ Another newcomer, Kaye Rogers, also is wondering what all this insistance upon a vivid personality means.