Screenland (Oct 1923-Mar 1924)

SCREENLAM) 95 CARL VAN VECHTEN Author of "Peter Whiffle' and " The Blind Bow Boy" Is Van Vechten An Immortal? THE BLIND BOW BOY— Carl Van Vechten (Alfred A. Knopf) If only Van Vechten could identify himself with some colorful vices, he could lay claim to immortality. For to my way of thinking The Blind Bow Boy is as brilliant a piece of work as anything Oscar Wilde ever turned out and he reminds me a great deal of Wilde. His brilliant and fascinating Campaspe, the depraved Duke, the beautiful and innocent Harold, and Bunny and Zimbule, and the valet, are like characters on a visit from the mind that created Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest. Van Vechten does not think it necessary for a serious novel to be serious. He proves it by creating characters who are joyously impossible, who never could, would or should live in our world and yet somehow or other we feel as if they do. I am tempted so state that the book has some juicy passages in the hopes that this will induce you to read it. It really deserves immortality and will undoubtedly achieve it. FORTUNE'S FOOL — Rafael Sabatini {Houghton Miffin Co.). Rafael Sabatini who has become quite the vogue with screen fans since the production of Scaramouche, presents in Fortune's Fool a story of old England at the time of the great plague. The story is of a very romantic nature, plentifully interlarded with sword play. A good picture of London Town in the age of the Cavaliers. The story is interesting and colorful, although it moves very slowly in the first partof the book. All right for a winter's evening. WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE MOVIES?— Tamar Lane (Waverly Company, Los Angeles). Tamar Lane has apparentl} been reading the back numbers of SCREENLAND and our own much imitated George Jean Nathan. For he has produced a book which probes the motion picture indus try both keenly and wittily. We thank you, Mr. Tamar Lane, for placing our editor, Mr. Frederick James Smith, at the head of your list as "the outstanding critic of the silent drama." ANYA KOVALCHUK— Clarence Wilbur Taber {Covici-McGee Company). Another Freudian novel. The story of a love out of wedlock, told with the principals appearing, not in person, but mainly through the effect made on other characters and their reaction on the question of sex and maniage. The story holds one's interest, although the characters are, in the main, spokesmen for quotations from Schopenhauer and Ellen Key and the author's statements on sex intended for quotation. The fantastic coincidences throughout the book, and the lack of reality of the characteis aie made plausible by the surprising ending, a rathei amateurish construction. Comparing the book to Rebecca West's The Judge, a story which also deals with the vital subject of sex and marriage with the character of the man only as he affects the lives of others. Anya Kovalchuk seems pitifully half-baked. It lacks the artistry and sensitiveness to character detail that The Judge abounds in. Miss West does not need any "scientific" explanation to make her story ring true, as does Mr. Taber. Every woid her characters uttei is an added bit of rich color to the drawing of the individual and plays its part in the composition of the finished picture. Anya Kovalchuk is, however, a sincere effort, but it is unfortunate that Mr. Taber was engrossed in making it a "novel of protest," neglecting to perfect it as a novel. Conl. on page 104 WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE MOVIES ? By Tamar Lane A SENSATIONAL book which throws aside all bunk and flim-flam and reveals fearlessly the true facts concerning the photoplay and the making of films. Written by an authority of over ten years' intimate experience in the picture business. The author daringly exposes the shams, conventions and faults of the photoplay world and gives for the first time a complete appraisal of who's who and what is worth while in the silent drama. "What's Wrong with the Movies?" has exploded like a bombshell in the cinema industry and caused a sensation from Maine to California. It is the most talked of book of the year and no one interested in the films should fail to read it. The Hollywood News says: "If censorship existed on books as on films Tamar Lane would go to jail for life, and be shot at sunrise every morning for good measure." The Boston Post says: "Extremely interesting because it gives for the first time the real inside opinion of the movies." Frances Agnew in the New York Telegraph: "This book, which contains much food for discussion, is creating more than a sensation in Hollywood." The Hollywood Filmo graph says: "A book filled with truth — not salve — a sensationally critical volume. Will undoubtedly run into many editions." Harriette Underhill in the New York Tribune says: "The most interesting volume yet written on the film industry." Send For This Book Today $2.00 Postpaid THE WAVERLY COMPANY Dept. 16, 311 East 4th Street, Los Angeles STENOGRAPHERS AND TYPISTS Wonderful little book, "How Stenographers Make Big Incomes," gives many practical ways to secure good positions at big salaries, and increase present salary if already employed. Sent postpaid for 50c. stamps or money order. Address H. SMITH 32 Union Square Room 501 New York City CRYSTAL Ball This Crystal Ball Instantly answers ANY question. Tells If ALL your wishes will come true. Anybody can read the answers at once. Mysterious and Fascinating game, Mall $2 00 or pay postman. AGENTS WANTED CRYSTAL BALL CO. 949B'way,N.r.C. Dept. 540 ♦•T7T u.sTp. #M SHAMPOO USED IN JAPAN FOR IOOO YRS. MARVELOUS HAIRWASH GRANULES C/\6:AT YOUR DRUGGIST tjXJ OR SEND DIME FOR TRIAL PACKAGE TO — MANGO TANI CORP 3 WEST 29"ST. 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