Screenland (Nov 1925–Apr 1926)

Now here's the big idea. You have heard rumors that his in a long kiss." your soldier sweetheart was killed. —Not an official Brewster paused for breath. Betty produced a wisp of death report, you know, but just a rumor. So you are lawn from her handbag and wiped her eyes. "Oh I was ■waiting there anxiously among all never so thrilled in my life!" she said, the mothers and sisters and sweet f L p C 1 ~ p nf %1//rrfcc "You like that bit?" Brewster hearts of the soldiers, watching for 1 " C f_-JZ^-T— .— — could not restrain a smile of satls' your hoy to march bv. Will he j • A faction. "I figured that out myself. come7 Is he missing7 —You are ; It wasn't in the script." And to torn between hope and fear." ! S make a show of indifference he once 'YVhat a splendid situation! " more applied a light to his cigar gasped Bcttv, sinking into her chair. | butt. "Go on!" "Like it! — I never saw such act' '•Your fair young face is drawn \ mg in my life! I'm going to study with lines of apprehension. Your j j ' that, and study it and study it! eyes are strained as you scan the How can I thank you for giving me ranks of marching figures!" Brew ! % < such a magnificent opportunity?" ster leaped froirT his swivel chair, ; .JHf W \ " 'S a11 right> sister. Report at fell into an attitude of dramatic j T ten o'clock sharp, day after tomormtensity and peered into the faces ' ; ..; row for the tryout." of the imaginary regiment. "Big | ■ Brewster touched the bu%er for Ed" Brewster was throwing himself, | ' v "« the next applicant and Betty found heart and soul, into his impersona f ;* ' ] herself outside the door, tion of a timid girl awaiting her [ ; Like a girl in a daxe, she wansweetheart's return. dered through the corridors before "There in the distance you sec a j v. she emerged from the huge studio face that seems familiar under the building. She passed a waiting room helmet. — Your eyes brighten, your \ ' ~''[\, ' where a score of girls and young lips quiver with the beginning of a i mcn were sitting about uncomfortsmile, you are about to cry out his j .>'}-'_ ably or studying a big bulletin board name. ■ — And then the soldier looks j ,xv with the announcements of extra straight at you and you realise that people wanted. it is only a stranger!" Betty regarded them with a feel' "How terrible!" whispered Betty, j ]no ()f pity, her face drawn with sorrow. j Only an hour ago she had been "Big Ed" Brewster had the mak j just such an insignificant nobody, ing of a good actor under his hard j j JflP < scorned by doorman, office boys, and hilled exterior. He continued: "The HHk i 'if pert stenographers, — just one of the shock is too great. You feel that BW^t horde of extra people looking for a you are about to faint. Your hps j ... j°b and listening to the casting di tremble. Tears gush from your eyes. j j rectors' same old record, "Nothing the hot water tap, sister. ^--Regular | But now —now! _ Betty saw -her' "But hope revives. The regiment I dimensions of a five-reel feature film. his regiment — is still marching by. Hr She was a star! Swaying the muiti' Until the last man has gone, you tudes to hope, to despair, to joy! will not give up hope. Your wet BL.Jfclfr ^ I She would shed tears before the eyes are searching the figures eager H camera and in answer to those ly, hopefully, despairingly. Wk sparkling drops the tear ducts of the "Suddenly your hand flies to your IliiMMjfeSWli nffUl WBMH nation would be emptied. heart." Brewster's hairy paw orna Ajhfilft/J l/stf/ohf)'? In her vision of glory, Betty wan mented with a huge seal ring and CXl but r I'd; V C4^l4^(Jn J dered uncertainly and touched the carrying the stub of a cigar flew to A/TT7 A QT TT? 'RA/fR handle of a door marked "Private." his heart, and the girl gripped the iVl£^UIU}iVl£lN 1 a.— way ^ Mig£, « barked the arm of her chair as she leaned for Age 1 8 years door-man harshly, and a moment , ii Height .... 5 feet 2 inches ■tiriri ward to watch him. Neck n'/2 inches later the latest idol of the films was "There! There! That figure in \ \ '. ' ' lo Inches on the sidewalk. khaki swinging along under a heavy Waist 221/2 inches ^n imported limousine waited at pack! — If he would only turn his Le'^ ' (lV inches around knees the curb, a palatial affair with deep face this way!" AnkIcs inches aro" gd ;™£es and opulent cushions whose uphol Betty stared at him with round Shoe . . 3B stery matched the chauffeur's livery. , . ' Wrist 5'/2 inches . ■ ' , . blue eyes. Hand . 5'/2 in.; Clove size 6 And there was a cut glass container "He has looked up! He smiles! holding a priceless orchid. — But — It is Bill.' ■ — Once more the tears stream from your the limousine was not waiting for Betty. Betty's closed eyes as your brave soldier boy darts from the ranks, car ran on underground tracks, and to ride in it she had throws both arms about you, and your hungry lips meet paid one of the few nickels that (Continued on page 82) 18