Screenland (May-Oct 1931)

for October 19 3 1 97 Hoots and Hooray * The plaudits pour in for Janet Gaynor, whom everyone loved in "Daddy Long Legs." the press, still reveals, as witness her performance in "Kick In," that promise of the magnificent, "earthy" acting talent that was so evident when she first burst upon us as the hoyden in the now ancient "Down To The Sea In Ships" some years ago. Newspaper notoriety to the contrary, producers still believe inwardly (or ought to!) that Clara Bow is the biggest "bet" in pictures since pictures were. Not even Norma Talmadge, in her heyday, possessed the genuine ability, the driving force, the appeal of Clara Bow. To misquote an old Victorian phrase, the producers ought to "catch Clara's ART on the rebound!" Which they will, if they are wise! Maurice Jacobs, 4119 Westminster Ave.. Philadelphia, Pa. INDIA SPEAKS Why should the cinema-going public care whether a film star is a ''Saint" or a "Sinner," so long as he or she can act? To act to the best of their abilities is all we should ask of them. Their private lives should not affect our appreciation of their screen work — we should be more tolerant and broad-minded, and not try to force film" favorites to live according to our own ideas of right and wrong. Their job is to entertain us, not to set examples of virtue to the world ! Isn't it more sensible to pay money to see perfect acting by a star, even though some scandal be attached to his or her name, than to see inferior acting by stars with unblemished reputations? Decidedly! We should stand by our favorites, whether "saint" or "sinner." and so ensure their continued appearance on the screen, to our own personal enjoyment ! Kathleen Eltham, 16 Mosque Road. Fraser Town. Bangalore, South India. MORE AND MORE BARRYMORE The two Barrymores, John and Lionel, appear on the silver sheet once in too great a while. John, after an absence of about a year, returned with a smashing portrayal of DuMaurier's greatest fictional character, Svengali. That portrayal, in my mind, is the climax of his wonderful career. Then along comes brother Lionel in Norma Shearer's latest vehicle, "A Free Soul," and literally steals it from her. Now, anyone capable of stealing a picture from such a sincere and hard-working actress as Miss Shearer, should appear more often on the screen and give the motion picture audiences the fine type of acting that they are always clamoring for. I should like to make two wishes— first, that John would appear more in pictures, and, second, that Lionel would give up directing and devote all his time to acting. Frank S. Stacy, 742 Bittersweet PL, Chicago, Illinois. ANOTHER FOR CLARA There's no question as to whether Clara Bow can come back, because she has never been away — from the hearts of the public. Her personality is as unique as that of Maude Adams or Mary Pickford. and she cannot be replaced. Her mistakes in private life do not concern or interest the public, and are only hammered on because she has been made a target for envy and gossip. In "Children of Divorce" and in "Ladies of the Mob" she proved herself a dramatic actress, and the only mistake has been made by her directors, who did not give her more real parts instead of keeping her playing "It" ingenues in stupid stories Therefore, I suggest that instead of wondering whether the public will "give this little girl a chance," the managers get busy and give her what she wants — real parts ! Grace Livingston Furniss, 41 Wainwright Street, Rye, New York. BULLY FOR BILLY! Dear Editor, I haven't seen a story about Billy Haines in your magazine in a long time, and that's too much ! For as I look over my precious scrap book of Billy, I find very charming interviews from your previous issues, and I miss more like them. Do give us Haines fans more of Billy, more large portraits and snapshots or scenes from his pictures, and we will be more than content. "Just A Gigolo" was a swell picture! And Billy is excellent in it. A most delightful beginning to a new characterization— and I hope he will continue to play in pictures worthy of his dramatic ability. We all know he can play a dramatic part marvelously. He has done it before. Well, let us hope he will do it again — soon ! Though I am saying goodby to his smartalec roles, it is with a little regret, for no one has ever made a greater success as a "wise-guy" comedian than Billy Haines. Ann Stern, 537 E. 52nd St.. Brooklyn, N. Y. {Continued on page 120) Norma Shearer' s gay insouciance still wins multitudes of hearts among the fans. We hear she's going demure and innocent in her next picture.