Screenland (May–Oct 1927)

boon to the bashful young man. He wants to tell her how he loves her — but he can't find the words. And even if he does there's always somebody else there to listen — Ma or Pa, or Junior — usually it's Junior. What chance has a lover in the home? If he's wise, he takes her to the movies. There with the splendid spectacle of ardent man' hood contemplating lovely womanhood, he can grope for her hand, and whisper: "That's what I think of you!" — and she'll know what he means without waiting for the sub'titles. Romances are made for movie theatres and in them. Think of the setting: a modern movie palace, with its dim lights and its soft music, its atmosphere of luxury, and — sometimes — even incense! What lover could ask for mere? And what a selection of techniques on the screen. All you have to do is make your choice. There's the get-em-rough and treat'em young school, best illustrated by John Gil' bert. John's specialty is the careless kiss, the chuck under the chin, and occasionally the glancing blow. The worse he treats them the better they like him. On the one occasion in which he reformed and fell for the heroine, she didn't appreciate it. He never made the same mistake again. Today, a black eye bestowed by Gilbert is more to be prized than roses from any other actor. In "The Show" he sneers even at lovely Adoree, and she loves it. The Gilbert method, however, is not to be lightly copied — I warn you. There are pitfalls. If you are brave enough to go in for it, take my advice and, while approaching your prize with knotted fists and menacing scowl, take the precaution of glancing into the mirror before hauling off — and see just how much you resemble Mr. Gilbert in the same pose. If you forget to do this, your heroine may laugh at you — and you're lucky if you get off with just a laugh. A safer bet is the William Haines bear-cat clutch. This boy throws a mean one. He's a natural. Put him in a porch-swing with a pretty girl and he can take care of himself C[ Molly O'Day as Curley Calahan in "The Patent Leather Kid". Richard BartheJmess is the star. SCREENLAND — and the girl. His director can call it a day and go home to the wife and kiddies, for all he's needed around Bill's set. Boys aiming at a portion of Bill's popularity will do well to see "Slide, Kelly, Slide" — also "The Little Journey" and "Tell it to the Marines". In all three of these films, Bill goes through all the emotions. He grabs his girl and gives her severe huggings and kissings. In "Slide, Kelly, Slide" Sally O'Neil struggles; but you can see it's just a matter of form, because the more she struggles, the harder Bill hugs. When you attempt your Haines act, you'd better be fairly certain that your advances will be warmly welcomed. A sock in the nose is never pleasant, even from the dearest, sweetest, prettiest little hands in the world. When you try the scene over on her porch-swing remember to kiss and then duck, quick, duck twice, in case she's smart enough to allow for the duck. Come up smiling — then start all over again. I'm not promising sure-fire results because you have to work fast if you want to be in Bill Haines' class. But it won't do any harm to try — and think of the fun you'll have! If, on the other hand, you are the student, the scholar — if you just love your books and your pipe and quiet evenings at home in front of the fire — or even a brisk tramp now and then with your dogs — then Ronald Colman's love-making is your meat — the roast-beef of jolly old England. Don't think that just because Ronnie is so meek. SO' mild, he doesn't have a good time. That's just his way — and it seems to be a very good way. It works. You remember how in "The Dar\ Angel", he did his best to renounce Vilma Banky, and she wouldn't be renounced, but came right after him? That's Ronald — timid, but intense. When he clasps Her hand in both of his, you know he is wondering if he can get away with kissing her. Just let him try to get away without kissing her. There's Ben Lyon's technique — its the adoring line. If you think you can imitate successfully Ben's worshipful look, go ahead. It usually goes big with the more sophisticated femmes. Adolphe Menjou's bored smile causes lovely ladies to stoop to conquer; but if you're out to capture the Menjou trophies, don't forget your evening clothes must fit. Practice pressing now. This Advice to Boys has gone far enongh. How about giving the girls a chance? They will take one, anyway. There's not so much for them to learn. They know who has It and who hasn't; they even know why. If a girl's line isn't good to begin with, can^ the movies do anything for her? That's a question. She learned how to walk home from a buggy ride from Mary Astor in "The Rough Riders". Colleen Moore taught her how to roller-skate home from an automobile ride; and now Connie Talmadge in "Venus of Venice is teaching her how to swim home. What Every Young Girl Should Know. Screen competition is something terrible, I'll admit. But can't you fix it so your future dates at the movies sort of even up? He may insist upon seeing that red-hot baby, Clara, one night; but if he remarks that she seems to have cornered all the It _there is in the world, you can retaliate by dragging him to see a William Haines picture the next night. While he murmurs sweet nothings into your ear, pretend — you won't have to try very hard if you're like me— to be so absorbed in Bill that you can't hear him, much less see him. Then, when the lights go up after the show, you look at each other and you look pretty good after all. Besides, there aren't any stage-doors at movie theatres and if you waited all night you wouldn't see William come out. 101 Only $2.00 for this Encyclopedia of MOTION PICTURE FOLKS Charles Donald Fox has compiled . . .. always at your hand the things you'd like to know about your favorites. Real, romantic and authentic ac counts of 242 stars — illustrated. It is written in a brief concise manner, and will improve your "talking knowledge'" of the stars — and who isn't talking about them these days? Fill out the coupon below and MAIL IT TODAY! ■ Screenland Book Dept. Desk 5 I | 49 West 45th Street . New York City. 1 Gentlemen: , I I enclose $2.00 in full payment for my j | copy of FAMOUS FILM FOLKS. 1 Name J I 1 | Address j