Picture Show (May-Oct 1920)

Picturt Shoir, August 2»t/i, 1920. £3 If vou want, to know anything about Films or Film Qloyery SIMILARITY IN TITLES. NOT long aop the Eminent Authors Pictures, Inc., in America, which produced a film called " Dangerous Days," sougot an injunction against Thomas H. Ince, Inc., with the object ef restraining the latter from exhibiting a picture entitled "Dangerous Hours." It is, perhaps, as well that such legal steps are not taken more olten, or else judges and juries would have a more than usually busy time regarding the similarity in titles oi other picture plays as well. A glance through a list of British and American films that have been shown during the last two years or so, and some of, them quite recently, reveals the following examples taken at random : " The Girl from Bohemia " and " A Girl in Bohemia," " The House Opposite " and " At the House Opposite," "The Narrow Trail" and "The Narrow Path," " Eye for an Eye " and " Eye for Eye," " The Field of Honour" and " Fields of Honour," "The Revelation " and " Revelations," " Bondage " and " In Bondaee," and " Annie Laurie " and " Bonnie Annie Laurie." There are many others, of course, though a longer list might only make wearisome reading. But those ardent picturegoers who have a fondness for keeping a list of all the films they see will doubtless be able to discover for themselves other instances in which the resemblance between titles is more or less striking. There are also a few cases such as "A Square Deal," featuring W. S. Hart, and " A Square Deal," starring Margarita Fisher, where the difference lies only in the story. It would seem as if those responsible for the titling of pictures cither experienced a difficulty in thinking out something original, or that tfcey found some fascination in the supposed effectiveness of certain words. The latter is particularly noticeable in the case of titles that begin in the same way. The words " Heart," " Little," " Girl," and " Woman " appear to be favourites ; while " Love," of course, tops the list. Yet, curiously enough, there are quite a number of ether words which, though equally as good and sufficiently striking to make an attractive title, are either rarely used or never used at all. THE EDITOR. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Will readers kindly remember that as this paper goes to press a 'considerable time before publication, letters cannot be answered in the next issue ? A_stamped and addressed envelope must accompany any letter requiring an early reply. Every letter should give the full name and address of the writer (not for publication), as no anonymous communications can be answered. Address : The Editor, " Picture Show," Room 85, The Fleetway House, Farringdon Street, London, E.C. 4. " Ada " (X. Kensington). — Have you tried writing to Arline Pretty ? If you do, she may oblige you with her photo. She was born in Washington, D. C, just, twenty-seven years ago. and stands 5 It. 5} in. " Dawn of Freedom," " In Again, Out Again," " The Hidden Hand," and " The Woman in Grey " arc h»r pictures. '■ Inqi isitive " (Ilfraeombe). — Nay, you have not asked me too much at once, but only Geraldine Farrar gives her birthday, which falls on February 28th. Edna Purviance. was the lady opposite Charlie Chaplin in the films you name. H. W. (Hull). — You mean Gareth Hughes, don't you, in *' Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch ? " Very likely he is adorable, but being a mere man myself, 1 cannot be certain. Yes, the little boy in the other play was good and it's a pity his name is not given, " Black Don " (Mitehin). — Francis Wilburn Carpenter has appeared in The Girl with the Champagne Eyes," "True Blue," " The Mikado," and " The Forbidden Room." Betty Blythe is twentysix. Your other little artiste has done very little film work, and I am awaiting particulars. " Joyce and Joan " (Beeston). — Your first Question has been answered elsewhere. Yes. daring Helen Holmes still performs her breathless stunts before the movie camera. Yictor Sutherland was born in Padueah, Kentucky, just thirty-one years ago. " The Barrier," and " The Sign Invisible are two of his films. A. P. (Accrington). — What was your nom-de-plume supposed to be ? I had to give up trying to find out. So your brother thinks you would make a good tin whistle if there were holes in you. In that case, it wouldn't do for you to sit in a draught. Monte G. Blue. Oh, yes, he was born in Indianapolis in 1890, and there is 6 ft. 2 in. of him to admire. You may have seen him with Mary Pickford in " M'liss." and " Johanna Enlists," also with Douglas Fairbanks in " The Man from Painted Post," and " Wild and Woolly." " ADELE " (Netherfleld).— •" Eye for Eye " was the first picture released over here featuring Alia Nazimova.^ She was born in 1879, and her husband, Charles Bryant is her junior by eight years. She was born in Russia, and he was born in tliis country. P. S. B. (Hayling Island). — You are right. Eugene O'Brien was not in " The still Alarm." Tom Santschi was the hero, but I don't think the two are alike. Frank Newburgh is Jano Novak's husband. " Corpse " (Chiswick). — You are the first corpse 1 have ever heard from, and for a dead *un you seem pretty lively. Somebody must have buried you, I expect, every time I printed on this page the ages of Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin and other well-known favourites. The last I heard of Max I.inder, he was in California, enjoying good health, and still in the film business. He was wounded, in the war. The art plate of Mary Pickford was given away with the issue of this paper for March 13th. You can write to our Publisher for this back number. Chester Conklin. you say, has two false moustaches — a black, curly one, and another resembling " a frizzly tooth-brush." One of these must be his Sunday best. " Admirer of Wallace Reid " (Cologne). — I shall be pleased to send on your letter to Wallace, if you care to forward it through this office. He has appeared in : " The Woman God Forgot," " Too Many Millions," "The Man from Funeral Range," " The Dub," " Alias Mike Moran," " The Roaring Road." and others. K. M. D. (E. Finchley). — Do you remember asking me about "The Godfathers"? Harry Carey and Stella Rozetta were in it. " Inqvisitivk. " (Chelmsford).— Sorry, but how was I to know, when 1 wrote to you. that you were a young lady and not a mere man. The initial of your Christian name gave me no clue. Yes, your dear hero is married. Richard Parthelmess was born in New York City, and spent live years on the stage. Height, ."> ft. 7 in. ; hair dark and eyes brown. You mean Phil Ford. No news of the others. " Dolores and Damabis " (Oudtshoom).— You would both have the surprise of your lives if you went to America and found that there are thousands in the States who are crazy to get. on the films. Elmo Lincoln was horn on February tith, 1889. Arnold Daly is forty-five, and was born in Brooklyn. I understand he returned to his old love, the stage, after a short career on the films. S. H. (Grimsby). — Carol Holioway was not in " The House of Hate." The part of Morgan Jenkins in " The Iron Test " was taken by Frank Johnasson. " Irish Rosebud " (Greenwich).— You think Herbert Rawiiuson has awfully nice, babyish ways. This infant is now aged thirty-five. He v'as born in Brighton. Mabel Normand is twenty-six. Next time you feel like writing, just grab hold of a pen and do it. E. J. F. (Leytonstone). — Believe me, I don't specially favour American stars. Have you not seen in this paper every week news and photos of our own artistes also ? Of course, many of the latter do not care about giving much information about themselves, and there lies the difficulty. Ahua Taylor, who was born in Loudon, is twenty-five.' In " The Scarlet Drop," the leads were played by Molly Malone and Harry Carey. " Film Girl " (Slough).— It seems as tlTbugh you will not rest till you have had more and still more about Carlyle Blaekwell and Francis X. Bushman, I'll try not to let you sink into the slough of despond. You can write to them i|iute easily if you will but follow the instructions above the addresses in the Personal Column. John Bowers was opoosite Louise Huff in " The Sea Waif." P. K. R. (Pretoria). — You are but one of many who write to me from your part of the world. Bert Lytell was born in 18S8, and the good lady whom he married is Evelyn Yaughan. Ethel Clayton, who is twentynine, was born in Champaign, Illinois. Jane Novrik married Frank Newburgh. Constance and Faire Binney were the sisters in " Sporting Life." " Caledonia " (Bo-uess). — So Phil Ford has run away with your heart. That's quite a moving incident. I shall have to ask Jack Hoxie and let you know. Is Jack Pickford married to Olive Thomas, or is he in love with her ? Both. You can write to me again so soon as you come across another stray stamp. F. P. W. (Bombay).—" The Bishop's Emeralds," in which Sheldon Lewis is featured, is cue of his recent pictures. I really could not tell you what chances a Parsee hoy has of getting on the films. Much depends on what sort of talents you possess. Have you tried the new producing company recently formed in your city ? A. B. (Salford). — Wallace Reid was the leading actor in " Believe Me, Xantippe." No ; Sessue Hayakawa did not play in " Temptation." It was a minor artiste who apparently resembled him. Molly (Deal). — Ivy Duke ' was born in South Kensington, and Kathleen O'Connor in Dayton, Ohio. The latter was at one time a telephone girl till she was switched on to the films. Enid Markey was born in Dillon, Colorado. You would like me lo send vou a lock ol my hair ? You are asking for a deal, but I'll try and save you a bit before it all goes. " sweet Seventeen " (Twickenham). — What can I say to assure your friends that you were right y you say they would not believe you when you fold thc;n thai you saw Stewart Home walking over Richmond Bridie. Well it might have been he. Of course. I couldn't follow him about. Milton Sill has appeared iu "The Claw. I'he Savage Woman," and "The Wild Cat." He is thirty-eight. You haven't tirjd me at all. T. W. M. (Eastbourne).— So you are going to content yourself with writing to one artiste per week. Do you know you will be as old as Methusalab bv the time you finish ? The part of thi Indian chief, Tomas, in " The Man of Might," was played bv Willie Canes. A. G. (Walsall). — I am sorry I cannot make out your noni-de-pliune It's something very mysterioirs. Vou want to know about Lars Hansen, who Starred in " The Flame of Life." I'll get on his track. " Clock y " (Ashbourne). — Your tir.it question shows you have been gazing at some ancient film. Pauline Frederick was born on August 12th, and opposite her, in " Paid in Full." was Wvndhani Standing. Norma Talniadge's birthday falls on .May 2nd. You are in plenty of time for next year. "Kentish Maid" (Maidstone).— Here are some more heights for your register. There are several artistes mentioned in voi r list, about whom thera is no information published ;,t all. I expert vou have seen them in small parts. As regards British artistes, I am afraid it is almost hopeless to expect the particulars desired. Mary Macf.aren (5 ft. 3 in ), Florence Turner (4 ft. 10 in.). Jackie Saunders (5 ft. 3 in.). Elsie Janis (5 ft. 51 in.), and Colleen Moore (."1 It. 3 in.). A. G. (St. Annc's-on-Sea). — So you say you are the first to write to me fn m your town. I cannot be certain, though I hope your good example will be followed. Constance Talmadge makes pictures for Select, and Harrison Ford for Laskv. " Lover ok the ' P. S.' " (Hants).— What do you use so many names for ? You'll probably forget one day what you were really christened. Douglas Fairbanks will not be thirty-eight till next year. Norman Evans was born in this country. Lillian Gishj who will be twenty torn on October 1 4th, has light hair and blue eyes. G. W. (Hampton Hill). — Would you like a photo of Stewart Rome ? If so. you may be able to get one if you write to the Publicity Manager, Broadwest Studios (see back numbers for the address). " A Daughter of Eve," " The Gentleman Rider." and " A Great Coup " are three recent films in which he is featured. Yes, he used to be with Hepworth's. M. B. (Cape Town).— In " Desert (Jold " the leads were played by E. K. Lincoln and .Margery Wilson, ami Mary Jane Irving was the child. June Caprice in " Heart of Romance " and " Blue-Evcd Mary " ; Margarita Fisher in " Little Miss Missionary." and May Allison in "Fair and Warmer" and " Sotial Hypocrites." (More answers next week.) > "PICTURE SHOW" < ► PERSONAL. < WHERE TO WRITE TO YOUR FAVOURITE FILM STAR. — You are kindly requested NOT to ask for any addresses by post, owing to the large number of other queries that have to be answered. If you wish to communicate at once with any artiste not named below, write your letter, putting the name of the star on the envelope, and enclose it with a loose 2d. stamp to the Editor, The Pjctcre Show, Room S3, The Fleetway House. Farringdon Street, London, E.C. 4, and it will be forwarded by the next mail. If the letter weighs more than 1 oz. it will require an additional Id. stamp for each extra ounce. Such letters cannot be specially acknowledged by the Editor. Remember always, when writing to artistes, to give your full name aud address, including the name of your county and country, and mention The Picture Show to ensure the safety of a reply. It must be understood, however, that we cannot guarantee that such letters will he replied to. Please keep these addresses for reference. CARLYLE BLACKWELL, care of Lambs Club, New York City. lT.S.A. VIVIAN MARTIN, THURSTON HALL, care ol Morosco Studios, Los Angeles California, U.S.A. WHEELER OAKMAN, care of Pathe Exchange, 25, West 45th Street, New York City, U.S.A. E. K. LINCOLN, LOUISE HUFF, care of American Cinema Corporation, 220, We3t 42nd Street, New York Citv. MAE MURRAY, care of Famous Players-Lasky Film Co., Lasky Studios. Hollywood, California, U.S.A. ENID BENNETT. DOUGLAS MACLEAN, care of Ince Studios. Culver Citv, California. U.S.A. H. B. WALTHALL, care of Mayflower Photoplay Corporation. 1405, Broadwav, New York City. GERALDINE FARRAR, LOU TELLE*; AN. Metropolitan Oi>era House, New York City, U.S.A. (More addresses next week.)