Silver Screen (Nov 1933–Apr 1934)

What do you think? Tell us! The best ideas each month, whether criticism or praise will be awarded prizes. $15 for first prize, $10 for second prize, and $5 for third. Address "You're Telling Me?" Editor, Silver Screen, 45 W. 45th St., N. Y. C. T First Prize HE author is the most important, because, if a story is weak, it does not matter how much ability the star or the director have," writes George Chanpion of Wood Street, Oakland, Calif. "For example, 'Emma' was Marie Dressler's greatest picture. Compare it with her latest picture 'Her Sweetheart, Christopher Bean.' We have the same beloved star and a marvellous cast, but it is not a great picture because the stoij is weak." O.K. George. No more weak stories even if we have to write them ourselves. Second Prize "WHY doesn't some producer get to work on American Indian mythology? Having clone considerable research work on California Indian myths, I know that these tales have unusual features in them which would entertain the public, always ready and desirous for something new," writes Mrs. C. A. Block of Berkeley, Calif. Publish your myths in a book. If the public likes it, the screen will buy it. Third Prize "YOU forget your cares and troubles when you see a musical show! They're different, colorful, tuneful and entertaining," writes Henry Morgach of W. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, 111. "You can have the sexy pictures, dramatic pictures, and horror pictures, but keep all the musical pictures and shows for me!" "Wonder Bar" coming right up. "MANY actors who have become stars are given a role in a poor play, and thereby lose their prestige. Many are unable to stage a comeback. Why isn't more care exercised in the selection of plays and supporting casts when the future of a young star is at stake?" asks Pearl Ellerman of W. Jay Street, Saint Marys, Ohio. Gene Raymond told us that he read and refused many stories just for that reason. MARGE GROSSMANN of McPherson St., St. Louis, Mo., writes: "Let's have more men like Spencer Tracy on the screen, although I doubt very, very much if he can ever be equalled. 'A Man's Castle,' starring him, was too wonderful for words. If all the males were real he-men, there would be more box-office receipts. I'm for a regular man who can take it." Did yon notice he talked about beating Loretta, but didn't? That's some advance. "NOW why don't the studios get together and make a picture starring Marie Dressier, Mary Boland was at work in a bed scene when in barged James Cagney, Chester Morris and Robert Montgomery, selling tickets for the Actors' Guild Benefit. So they climbed right in, too. Mae West, Janet Gaynor and Katharine Hepburn?" asks Patricia J. Rieger of N. Fairfield Avenue, Chicago, 111. "I'm willing to wager a picture like this would go over with a bang." And Mussolini for the romantic lead! "PLEASE do not let us see any more such horrible, gruesome productions as 'The Invisible Man'," writes Mrs. Lloyd C. Gilchrist of Woolson Avenue, Springfield, Vt. "In our way of thinking its entirely out of the question for the youth of today to see such a picture. No one likes to go to the movies and come out with the shivers and have horrors all night." A great compliment to your imagination. "THE same sweetness, lovableness and humanness, with or without the curls, with or without a Douglas, she*is still our Mary. Maybe you could tell her this from us folks in Boston," writes Anna Pike Bennan of Orkney Road, Brighton, Mass. We asked her to do a picture using her cute brogue— she's half Irish, you know. Perhaps we Boston folks can convince her. "AS a child I read the book 'Little Women' many, many times and Jo, of course, was my favorite. I don't know of any star that could play the immortal Jo as well as Miss Hepburn," writes Frances Sullivan of Brentwood Avenue, San Francisco, Calif. "So, three cheers, Katharine Hepburn! I'm impatiently waiting your next picture, 'Trigger.' " The new title is "Spitfire"— you're welcome. '"MR. SKITCH' played to a full house for three days and nights and you had to wait your turn to get in or out," writes Nina B. Osbourn of E. Main, Neosho, Mo. Couldn't get out, hey? That's packing them in— you were on the bottom layer! "EVERY movie magazine that I read seems to have something about the mysterious Garbo," writes Camilla Sharp of W. Oak Avenue, Jonesboro, Ark. "I want to know if Greta Garbo really said 'I tank I go home now.' " She never said it to us. VIOLET BARNHART of Briarwood Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, writes: "Joan Crawford has been my favorite actress ever since I saw her in 'Montana Moon.' The last picture I saw her in was 'Dancing Lady.' I think her acting is marvelous, and she has a wonderful personality. I am taking tap and acrobatic dancing and hope she will give me some advice about it. I hope that some day I can dance like her." She's already given you inspiration, that's better than advice. "WE ARE tired," writes Mrs. Muriel A. Burress of E. Sixth Street, Los Angeles, Calif., "of seeing pictures that insult the intelligence of twelve year olds, not to say anything about the off-color dialogue and innuendoes." The wallop of an innuendo depends upon the imagination of the listener. "GIVE us more pictures like 'Little Women,' " writes Mrs. H. Kell of Carman Avenue, Cedarhurst, L.I. "I am only one mother in thousands, but I believe I speak their thoughts. We want simple stories, sweetly told, mixed in with those worldly pictures. Remember, you cater to the younger generation as well as to the sophisticated older people." Do you think age brings the sophisticated viewpoint, Mrs. Kell? Is it a dent left by the kick of living or a bump representing knowledge? 8 Silver Screen