Screenland (Sept 1922–Feb 1923)

mmmmm C]jjour OWN T ▼ it are sorely tempted to nrn Whv ran't a_i..-^ P age E are sorely tempted to proclaim this the "best ever" issue of Screenland. But that question remains for the reader to judge. The restraint of oppressive modesty, however, will not seal our lips from directing a proud finger (as a speaker said at a Will Hays banquet) to a few of the better things in this issue— most of which were suggested by Your Own Page letters. One Screenland reader who attained the exalted plane of ex-officio editorship was Morris J. of Pittsburgh. He suggested "a page of cartoons relating to the movies." The result is "Cartoons of the Month" on page 40 — a new regular feature. Gladys Montgomery of 6 Riverside Drive, Red Bank, N. J., won the first prize of $50 in Screenland's "Letter S" Contest, which is being followed by the Screenland Title Contest on page 8. The other prize winners in the "Letter S" Contest were : Mrs. Lucius Leslie, Winner, S D $25. Mrs. Charles E. Lee, Donipham, Mo.. $10. Miss Alice Carv Tobie, 3 Deering street, Portland, Me., $10. Patricia Sanders, 3^6 Greenwood avenue, Atlanta, Ga.. $5. Miss Gladvs Curric, R. F D 1 Fayetteville, N. C, $2. ' Have you ever heard of die strange movie theatre where the mixed races of Malaya watch pictures from both sides of the screen. "What matters if the titles are backward? The natives cannot read them, anyhow," writes L. G. Blochman, Screenland's special traveling correspondent in the Orient. Don't miss Mr. Blochman's delightfully humorous description of "Movies in Malaya"— in Screenland tor December. Why Can't the Ambitious Girl Break Into the Movies? Why Can't Talented Young Writers Sell Their Stories? Why Are Most Movies Stupid? £ditor Your Own Page: What is the matter with the movies' Big money and little brains ! Politics » Inefficient, experienced barons strangling the peasantry of youth and new ideas' One sincere and talented worker to a score of selhsh, envious, vengeful, bigoted ovcrj 11 ° 1 thcmsclvcs slipping in the f j J,h'S 1S what exists in thc stud'°s today. This is thc trouble with the movies the movies are honeycombed with dryrot— atrophied job-holders who stifle the enthusiasm of new talent and lock the gates against new ideas. These men— and women— holding positions of power, are thc ones through whose hands pass the materials that make the screen entertainment of the world, and who ruin the expensive wares producers are frantically bidding for. A gem of a story turns to dross when an officious scenario editor chokes it Stars ready for the discard arc supported by "pull." Is it any wonder that the worth-while talent has turned away f rom the studios, regardless of the attraction of big monev and quick fame? This is a fascinating subject to ez'eryone sincerely interested in thc movies. Lawrence Partringer Hollywood. Thc anszver to this letter and to the thousands of unspoken questions from every playgoer who realizes the need for hiqher screen standards will appear in Screenland for December. It will be The Spy System in the Movies It is the petty bureaucracy of the studios, the selfish intrigue, hate, suspicion and jealousy that is fastened like a leech to art that is responsible for weak, banal, dangerous pictures! Screenland has investigated and for the first time in motion-picture journalism gives the complete facts in Screenland for December — next month! Don't miss it! able artists— who have been turneu away from studio gates and casting offices are only a few of the American public who will find exceptional interest in Screenland's great revelation, "The Spy System in the Movies " beginning in Screenland for December. This is a subject of vital interest to every playgoer. Why are most movies so inadequate? The answer lies m the demoralizing despotism of the studio spy. Weeks have been spent m compiling this striking article I he first big step toward stamping out bad pictures is clearly pointed out m this frank revelation. If you love the movies, follow Screenland's right for better pictures. The constant endeavor is to make o Greenland radiate the charm of Screenland. Hollywood is the world's Screenland and on its pages Screenland hopes to show every glittering ray from the magic, alluring play city and parade the unending stream of vibrant, colorful life every month. tor Hollywood is Screenland and Screenland is Hollywood. Scores of new, original, fascinating and helpful subjects bulge the next and future numbers — subjects that never before have appeared in any motion picture magazine. Intimate sincere, accurate stories and articles wil show you how unlike is the real Hollywood from the many untruths that have been printed about it. One reader who assuredly will not miss this unusual article is Miss M. M of Toronto, Canada. "The Blochman articles are not alone interesting but they cause one to speculate on the mentality of races in foreign environments," she writes. Wichita Falls, Texas. "It has always seemed to me that the photoplay could be a mighty factor in creating, in the Orient, a deeper understanding of the ways, habits and mental processes of the people in America. It is a rare treat to read about this new great civilizing force," is a paragraph in the letter. Screenland critics review nearly all plays mentioned in "Little Hints for Playgoers" in studio projection rooms. They daily see the stars playing on the sets, talk with the directors and gam a sympathetic and comprehensive knowledge of the difficulties encountered in picture-making. This leads to accurate, just comment on the finished art. Being "made where the movies are made" makes all this possible. Another kind reader who writes to bespeak his interest in the Blochman series of articles is Mrs. C. M. B. of 58 The discouraged thousands — some of them potential stars, embryo eminent authors, inventive geniuses, So many readers demand more Little Hints for Playgoers" that "Thc Leading Picture of the Month" as well as more smaller reviews appear in every issue ; in other words, this section of the magazine is gradually being enlarged. When you disagree with a review, send an "anti bouquet" letter to 'Little Hints" department and give your views.