Screenland (Nov 1928-Apr 1929)

12 SCREENLAND if There's the germ of a story ill this picture. What can you do with it? What couldn't you, do with it you were a trained wspaper 'writer? What makes a salable story? ONE good idea (liow many fine ideas have died in your mind this year?) or one interesting experience, plus the ability and NERVE to write it. Nerve is capitalized, because lack of nerve — lack of confidence — is the steel chain that fetters many a natural born writer to some dull, uncongenial task. "Maybe I haven't got it in me" brings many a potential best-seller to a premature close. Ability without enterprise seldom finds its target. Have you ever noticed that every year scores of young men graduate from the newspaper profession into the ranks of successful writers? Why? Most newspaper men know that writing "salable stuff" is no dark and mysterious secret. Day after day, they write— and write. The very nature of their calling crowds their minds with ideas. Their copy is painstakingly corrected and criticized — by experts. Occasionally, friendly (or threatening) advice is thrown in. And gradually, fewer and fewer corrections are necessary. Astonishing how quickly an intelligent man can learn to write by writing. An Inspiring reproduction of a big-city newspaper office The Newspaper Institute of America has perfected a course of training based on the New York Copy-Desk Method. The essence of this method is to start and keep you writing in your own home on your own time. Your work is watched, edited and guided just as if you were working for a big metropolitan daily. Experienced New York newspaper men are in direct charge of your instruction. Working on definite assignments . . . talking things over (by mail) with old-timers . . . trying, failing — then succeeding . . .writing, writing, writing ... a man soon finds himself and his confidence through the N. I. A. Our interesting Writing Aptitude Test will reveal your ability, gauge your possibilitiesmeasure you exactly for the training you need. Send in the coupon and get it. Fill it out and return it to us. Our editors will analyze it for you and tell you exactly what it shows. It's "free; there's no obligation. Send the coupon now. Newspaper Institute of America, 1776 Broadway, New York. J "" i > Newspaper Institute of America \ \ 1776 Broadway, New York \ • Send me your free Writing Aptitude Test ', • and further information on writing for J I profit, as promised in Screenland Magazine J ! —April. J ! Mr. '. Mrs. J Miss J Address j S (All correspondence confidential. No sales > 5 men will call on yon.) 34D228 , Milton Sills and travel far and near to see his pictures. I also saw the talkie "On Trial" with Bert Lytell and Pauline Fredcrick. It was sad but then later I saw Al Jolson's masterpiece, "The Singing Fool," and to me that was the saddest pic turc I've witnessed since I saw "Over the Hill" with Mary Carr. In "The Singing Fool" Al puts every bit of his energy into his singing. The songs themselves just make you feel as if you could sob and sob, but of course when one is with the best boy friend you cannot do that! It is the saddest spectacle of human nature, that I ever witnessed, either on the screen or off' screen. Three cheers for the talkies, long may they reign! Sincerely, Mary A. Downes, 56 Linden Ave., Jersey City, N. J. Her Version brand make them prettier and more charming? Out! But does it add one whit to their art? No — thousands of No's! For examples, look to gorgeous Greta, the peerless Pola and vivid Vilma. The most patriotic Yankee must admit they have gained in looks (and It), but have lost in art. The same is true of Jannings., although he has suffered least. Import and make them citizens — but for the sake of cinema don't cover up their old world diffcrcntness. A word about the talkies: I think they are here to stay. I hope so. The native music of "White Shadows of the South Seas" was wonderful. The talking and singing sequences of "Mother Knows Best" were flawless. And who can ever forget the pitiful sobbing of the German soldier in "Four Sons?" Sincerely. Catherine Cruyse, 1 1 1 Maple Ave., Hamilton. Ont., Can. He'd Walk a Mile for a Movie Dear Editor: I have some opinions that just must be set down in black and white, so I make my first visit to your very interesting department. "The Patriot" was a wonderful film. 1 11 never forget Jannings' characterization of the mad ruler of Russia — his finest role. Recently I saw him in "Sins of the Fathers." His performance was indifferent compared to his mad Czar. Though, of course, he did some fine work in this later picture. Speaking of the talkies. I give them my unqualified approval and commendation. They are improving right along and promise to become the greatest educational and beneficial as well as entertaining invention of the day. . "Interference" was good but I thought "On Trial" was better. Of course, the four stars in "Interference" acted superbly. _ I can hardly wait to 'see and hear the sound pictures that are coming. There will undoubtedly be many surprises and disappointments in the voice tests — but it will only mean that actors must perfect themselves in talking as well as acting. These two arts should go hand-in-hand, anyway. I think I have written my most clamonngto-be-heard thoughts so I'll just say, 'Here's for better and better talkies' — and quit! Most sincerely, Clarice M. Freeman, 518 North Illinois Street, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dear Fellow Fans: I have been asked many times why I go to the movies so often. My answer is varied. For one thing, I live on a farm. That means up in the morning to do the chores until evening and then to bed. Day after day. Seldom any change. It gets very monotonous. But, thank my lucky stars, the movies are just around the corner — I mean, eighteen miles to one movie theatre, a mile to local shows, and I go to Spokane, forty miles away, for a special now and then. And, of course, there are the fan magazines. What a bright spot they are in an otherwise rather dull life. Screenland is my favorite. I thought the January issue was the finest ever published. I enjoy the reviews; they are reliable in every way. To me, talking pictures are just a big nuisance. Of course, there are lots of silent pictures and I'm glad of it. I always head for the show that has a silent picture with organ accompaniment. I love pipe organs and the restful quiet of the silent pictures best of all. However, I will admit that the talking, sound, and musical effects of "Wings." "Lilac Time," and "Mother Knows Best" were very entertaining. I wish some of the fans would write to me. particularly Dix Colbert whom I think ought to be a star himself. Sincerely yours, Therall E. Fourt, Box 162, Springdale, Washington. On A mericanizing Foreign Stars Movies and Fan Magazines Her Meat Dear Editor: I would like to protest, publicly, against Dear Editor: Americanizing foreign stars. Does dressing and stamping them with the Hollywood Ever since I came from Russia, five years ago. I have been an ardent movie fan par