Picture Show (Nov 1919-Apr 1920)

The Picture Shou; November Voik, 1919. 1 FATHER AND FARMER FIRST A Chat With A. E. Matthews, Who Will Be a Prominent Figure in the New British Film Company. AE. MATTHEWS is very much in tlie public eye at the present time. Not only is he scoring a decided hit in " Daddies,'' at the Haymarket Theatre, but he is fast becoming one of the most prominent figures in the film world, being managing director of the British Actors' Film Company and a director of the newly formed Alliance Film Corporation, which, with a capital of £1,(100,000, is the largest company established in the history of the British film industry. And what do you think this successful and enterprising young Yorkshireman said w hen 1 asked him to chat about himself and his work for the benefit of readers of The PiCTtratE Show 1 Down on My Farm. " I'M a farmer, really ! Down at my place at I Bushey Heath I've quite a collection of Jersey cows, pigs, horses, and pretty nearly everything on four legs.» My wife — May Blaney — plays on the stage sometimes, but the rest of the time she's milking the cows, though I take a hand in it, too ! And — look — these are my two boys— John and Patrick. Twins. You can hardly tell 'em apart. Sturdy, eh ? Well, they're brought up on the produce from . my farm. I've a daughter, too. who is really rather a lovely thing, ' added the fond father quaintly. " And now for a few details about your film work, please, Mr. Matthews," I said, having duly admired John and Patrick, and begged the accompanying pictures of them from their proud parent. "I'm far more interested in my kiddies," was the response. " But since you wish mo to tell you my opinion of films. I am going to be absolutely honest and confess that personally they do not interest me in the least — as pictures. " B — But what about ' The Castle of Dreams.' in which you appear with Mary Odette ? " 1 stammered, when I had partially recovered from this unwonted outburst of candour. Taught Mary Odette to Ride. " "V^ES, I know. But really, the only thing I in pictures that really interests me is the making of them — I am going to devote my time to the production, I do not intend playing in them in the future. By the way. speaking of Mary Odette, reminds me that I taught her to ride horseback. When she made her first film for the British Actors' Co., it was necessary that she should know how to ride. And so, before the day's work we used to go out together with our horses, and in two weeks she had mastered the equestrian art." " Will you tell me something about this British Actors' Film Co. of which you are managing director, Mr. Matthews ? " * " I originated it," he implied. " and [ acquired the studio at Bushey from Sir Hubert Herkomer. The idea was to get the best type, of actor into it — in fact, the leading lights of the London stage, ana combine them all into a company. We do the work and take the profits. I think I may say that we started on a smaller capital almost than any other British film concern — in fact, we spent it all in the first ten minutes ! But I'm proud to say that we've made good on every picture we have turned out ! Another thing I am proud of, is that I have just succeeded— after something of a struggle — in getting Gerald du Marnier to consider film work again, and he has just joined us. The Big British Company. AS regards the Alliance Film Corporation, well, I expect you have read that we are buying Harrow Weald Park, near Hendon, for our studios. I found the place for the Corporation, and I can tell you it is the finest silo in England for the purpose of film production. in the grounds, which are .r>4 acres, is a hike 5 acres— suitable for any " Thames " scene and replete with all tho punts, boats and canoes necessary. There will even be waterfalls ! tiOur present programme is to produce 26 five-reel film plays, 26 two-reel films, and five super-productions every year." This conversation took place in Mr. Matthews' big but unostentatious dressing-room at the Haymarket Theatre. I climbed many stairs to get to it, and wondered at its position, but the star s dresser, who acted as guide, explained he didn't mind stairs as long as-he got fresh air. And that's the way he strikes you — as an actor who has not forgotten to be a real, out-ofdoors man. Witness tho farm. Before I left Mr. Matthews I begged him to elucidate a mystery which must have intrigued many. What do your initials stand for ? " For a moment he looked rather like a big boy. " Someone asked me that only last week. I don't tell as a rule, but I'll tell you — Alfred Ed ward." Well, Alfred Edward is a good sort — even if lie isn't, fond of films ! M. H. C. The entrance to Harrow Weald Hall. Inset : A. E. MATTHEWS. John and Patrick Matthews