Picture Play Magazine (Sep 1928 - Feb 1929)

What the Fans Think 13 Conrad Veidt Praised. I was awfully pleased to read in the September Picture Play a letter praising Conrad Veidt. I, too, admire him terribly! I first saw him in "The Beloved Rogue," and though I thought his acting was fine, I can't say I was particularly keen on Conrad himself; but in "A Man's Past" he was absolutely wonderful. I entirely disagree with those critics who said it was a heavy film that dragged on and on, and that Conrad Veidt lacked sympathy and romance. Conrad Veidt is a refreshing change from the empty and rather sickly sweet, boyish heroes that seem to be the rage just now. He has an air of experience, character, and culture that always appeals to me. "The Man Who Laughs," if possible, increased my regard for Mr. Veidt. His acting and make-up were marvelous, and he made the horrible-looking Gwynplaine such a sympathetic and tragic figure that I sighed with relief when the film ended happily, though usually I prefer unhappy endings. Somehow, they seem to make a film greater, and I certainly think people remember them longer. One scene in "The Man Who Laughs" particularly appealed to me, and that was where the blind girl, D-ea, is fondling Gwynplaine and saying how she loves him and how beautiful he is, and all the while he is watching his face in a mirror, with the hideous grin stamped upon his mouth and ineffable tragedy in his eyes and heart In conclusion, I will say that I admire Conrad Veidt's fine, expressive eyes and humorous mouth, and, above all, I see in him some of that peculiar fineness of character that makes Ramon Novarro the outstanding figure on the screen. Renee G. Wallington. 3 Wakeman Road, Kensal Rise, London, N. W. 10, England. Why Byron for Butler? I have just seen Dolores Costello in "Glorious Betsy," and for once I enjoyed a picture of hers. I think it is her best since "The Sea Beast." Pictures like "The Little Irish Girl," "A Million Bid," and "The Heart of Maryland" are enough to send any one to sleep, and I think it is a tribute to Miss Costello's beauty and brilliance that her popularity has increased in spite of poor pictures. May the good work keep up ! I wish I could say as much for the new Gaynor-Farrell picture, "Street Angel." It is too reminiscent of "Seventh Heaven" and has too much sentimentality, without the charm and beauty of the other picture. I see that Samuel Goldwyn has signed Walter Butler for Vilma Banky's leading man, and Lily Damita for Ronald Colman. And why has Butler been changed to Byron? Any fear of his being nicknamed "Battling Butler"? He has done fine work in British films, though he has never been properly appreciated. Lily Damita is not as beautiful as Vilma Banky, but she has the same womanly charm and did fine work in "The Queen Was in the Parlor," which sounds like a nursery rhyme but was really a gripping drama. Margaret Munton. 44 Chesson Road, W. Ken, W. 12, London, England. Whoopee! For Dick Arlen! Three cheers for Richard Arlen! Long may he triumph ! Come on, Paramount, let's have bigger and better pictures for that fellow with such a fine character. If there is a mother or a father in this world who wouldn't feel proud to call Richard Arlen "my son," or a girl who wouldn't be thrilled to call Dick Arlen "the boy friend," or a boy or girl who wouldn't get a big kick out of calling Dick "big brother," I certainly wish he, or she, would write me the reason. I'm sure Jobyna Ralston gets a thrill out of calling Dick Arlen "my husband." I do hope some fans will send me items and pictures of Richard Arlen. I cannot afford to buy all the magazines which contain his interviews, for I would have been penniless long ago. Jean Browne Harral. 331 Riverview Avenue, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. Pola Criticized? Why is Pola Negri so severely criticized? I think she is one of the finest actresses on the screen. Unfortunately, her pictures have been badly chosen, and consequently she has suffered. I sincerely hope her European career will be more successful. I do not understand what any one sees in Renee Adoree. She is worse than mediocre. If she could act, her appearance would not be so much against her; but she is no actress and is far too fat. Mildred V. Jaffee. 1110 Bushkill Street, Easton, Pennsylvania. Talkies and Dixie Ears. My first letter to your department is not a brickbat, but a very earnest query: What has happened to Norma Shearer's acting ability ? She has given us so manyfine characterizations, and has endeared herself to a large following of fans. Then came her Kathie, in "The Student Prince," which nearly ruined the beauty of the film for me. In "The Actress" she was terrible. Such silly simpering and uncalled-for grinning throughout the picture ! We have learned to love her for her charm . and beauty and for the sincerity of her acting. Cannot something be done to save the old Nora Shearer for those who truly admire her? Approaching tragedy for us in the South is the revelation that our dainty, feminine stars may have voices of foghorns, as witness lovely Dolores Costello in "Tenderloin." We unconsciously have invested our favorites with the soft voices we have been used to all our lives, and with this awful, squawking Vitaphone we are due for some fearful shocks, I fear. There ought to be something we fans, who like' our pictures silent, can do about having sound films foisted upon us. As a novelty, they are interesting, but as a steady diet — heavens, no ! Anne Robinson. Selma, Alabama. Buddy's a "Good Egg." For years I have .read "What the Fans Think" and have derived enjoyment from the controversies. But I have always vowed a vow, to wit : that I would never participate therein ! But " 'The time has come,' the Walrus said." It is to protest against Eva J. Robinson in behalf of Buddy Rogers. In addition to being a "good egg" — he's from here, and I know — he can act. Surely he proved that in "Wings" and "My Best Girl." Of course, he isn't a great actor. But then, very few are ! And Buddy's young yet, and hasn't been in the movies very long. Nevertheless, he has ability. Furthermore, Miss Robinson is guilty of contradicting herself. She says, "Every fan to his tastes," and then : "Why doesn't Paramount stop adopting Buddy Rogers and other well-meaning, but not very inspiring actors, and get Cullen Landis back?" In that sentiment I fear Miss Robinson is probably one against thousands. Find out how many prefer Cullen Landis to Buddy Rogers! Ethel Pierce. 3910 Warwick, Kansas City, Missouri. What Is Acting? On the subject of Katherine Lipke's article, "What Is Acting?" I agree with Clara Bow. It is not a question to ask a star, for the star is too busy with work and cannot bother to analyze it. To act is to have the ability to forget oneself, momentarily, in order to impersonate a character. To impersonate a character means not only to do the same acts, but also to feel the same emotions and to think the same thoughts. An actor, like a live wire, must transmit the current of emotions to the public, and here is where John Gilbert's talk on vitality comes in. Vitality is a sign of good acting, for any one who is dumb cannot feel or transmit emotions, but it is not the chief quality. An actor must be, above all, sensitive, and one of the greatest proofs of this statement is the fact that, in order to film a play, music is needed. Buddy Rogers, too, is right. He hasn't enough experience to be starred yet, and if he wants to gain as lasting popularity as Valentino or Wallace Reid, he'd better wait a bit longer. Emma Resti. 10 Rue du President Wilson, Asnieres, Paris, France. Thanks All Around. Picture Play has been so very kind in bringing me lovely friends through the medium of letters in this column, I wonder if I may use it to thank all those who have written to me? Even though I cannot answer all, I want you to know I enjoyed and appreciated every one of your lovely letters. To those who ask me how I receive so many star photos, I would like to say that there is no secret about it; just write sincere letters to your favorites, praising or criticizing them, as you feel. Perhaps that is the "secret" ! To "Lilianette," I wish to thank you for your praise for my Picture Play letter, and to you, Frances Bushman, for your lovely letter telling me all about Francis X. Bushman, and to you, Miss Hunter, for your wonderful kindness. Fans, she has sent me many, many beautiful photos of her friends among the stars — large portraits, originals, small ones, personally autographed ones, and stills and snapshots of the stars. I wonder if I deserve such kindness! Elinor Garrison. 426 Thirtieth Avenue, Seattle, Washington. Brain Fag. If Alice White was sick, would Bessie Love to help her? If Shirley Mason had a dog, would Bob Steele it, or would Charlie Chase it? If Alberta Vaughn was at a party, would Johnny Walker home? If Clara Bow has red hair, has Gilda Gray? If Blanche Sweet is tall, is Gertrude Short? If Larry Kent had a fight, would Lewis Stone him? Continued on page 100