Picture Show (Nov 1919-Apr 1920)

Th<: Picture S/iou; November 22nd, 1919. WALTER WESTPRODUCER The Man who Means to Make the British Film Supreme. TO-DAY Walter West stands supreme as the foremosl producer of moving pictures in this country. He has studied every phaso of the .manufacture of photo-plays, leaving not a. -tone unturned which might eventually raise the standard of British film production. . In rive \ears Walter West has accomplished «i feat that is nothing short of marvellous. In I !» 1 4 Broad west films were practically unknown. To-daj, despite the exigencies of war, tho Broadwest trade mark blazons forth its message of perfect pictures from the fronts of cinema houses all over the world. Tr> Walter West's credit stands the first, motion picture version of a Shakespearean pJSy — viz . " The Merchant of Venice." which was accorded a big reception wherever the film was shown. It is interesting to note that this well-known producer does not devote his attentions entirely to one type of production — but no matter to wh&J line zf film this gs.uus directs his attentions he makes a success of them all. Sacrets of His Success. Undoubtedly one of the secrets of his wonderf il achievements is that he keeps his linger on the pulse of the public. He knows exactly what they want — and gives it to them. Highly emotional, comedy, and sensational films have all issued from the Broadwest Studio, and the guiding hand is that of Walter West. No matter if lie be engaged on the personal direction of a big film, he keeps his eye on every foot of celluloid which passes through any of the Broadwest cameras. And this is without doubt another reason why he has succeeded — he leaver nothing important to anyone else. To meet him personally is to know that ho r.ot only possesses the artistic temperamcnl , but a big brain and wonderful business ability — combined qualities which are seldom bestowed on one man. One feels instinctively that he has the wonderful power of " summing you up " directly he sees you. His power of character . delineation has been carefully cultivated ; he has' only to look an artiste over once and ho knows exactly whether he be an artiste or not. It is a fact admitted by artistes who have worked for him that Walter West can get moro out of thern than any other producer. Why '! Be "isc he makes a psychological study of each i ew small part or leading artiste who enters tho Broadwest Studios. If there be acting ability in anyone, I would back Walter West to bring tho best out of them. His tact in dealing with men and matters was quickly recognised' when, as an officer in tho R.A.F.. he came under the notice of Dr. Distin Maddick, O.B.E., who appointed him technical manager' for the manufacture of Air Ministry films. Just as the armistice was signed, Walter West was given sole charge of all propaganda connected with this very important branch of the service. Almost Superhuman Energy. For five years this now-famous Broadwest director has devoted the whole of his attention to the betterment of British films. One could almost believe him superhuman, for his hustling methods keep him working at top speed, from morning to night, embracing not only the manuf i' hiring but the business end of this cinematograph producing company. And one's surprise is U • reasfcd on watching him at work. Speaking of the wonderful opportunities which the British motion picture industry offered the capitalist, he has very decided views. " There is no risk attached to the cinematograph industry now. provided tho money is invented with the right people," Mr. West told me. " Its success as a commercial enterprise is assured, but British films will not attain the position they should hold in the world's market until we find the Stock Exchange quoting them. Is it not better to invest capital in a homo industry (which is invaluable as an export), where one can see the developments, rather than finance home mining company in a country far distant from the homeland? Admitted that ■ 1 . Hopmeiits overseas are all -important, but. i is our duty as Britishers to support homo industries, and to assure ourselves that in future Britain will stand supreme in the commercial wnrld" Mr. WALTER WEST, the master mind behind so many great screen successes. Mr. West's thoughts and energies are devoted to one issue — the supremacy of Britain in the film world. Mr. WALTER WEST (on right of picture) talking to STEWART ROME, his leading man. Giving a few notes to Miss BILLIE BRISTOW. Reading over a scene to VIOLET HOPSON. A big " crowd " scene at a racecourse which you will shortly see in the new film, "A Gentleman Rider," the story of which you read in " The Picture Show.''