Talking Screen (Sep-Oct 1930)

material procurable, co insure comfort for the wearer. The second suit, of similar material, is of a trifle coarser weave. On it are sewn the cords and muscles of very fine silk floss of the desired size and shape, enclosed in jersey. Both suits are closed with zippers down the back. The third, or outer suit, is likewise of finely woven silk, and must be perfectly constructed so as to withstand all the hard wear given it by an agile "gorilla." Chinese hair, the best that can be imported, is implanted by hand, two strands at a time, in the silk mesh. The darkest is placed in the body, while the lighter shades cover the shoulders, knees, buttocks, elbows, and back of the head — those portions that would naturally come in rough contact with trees and underbrush. The "gorilla's" belly is of sheet rubber. The head is of crude rubber over a solid copper foundation. The skull frame is lined with small copper tubing, through which piano wires are strung to govern the working of the jaws. The terrifying teeth were once the handle of your family toothbrush, while your rubber bath sponge disappeared to make the beast's tongue. Finger and toe nails made from celluloid film complete the imposingly real gorilla make-up that can fool even a nation's foremost scientists. This complicated three-piece ensemble takes from two to three weeks to construct, with as many as sixteen persons working on it constantly, at a cost that approximates $1,200. HOLLYWOOD boasts of the largest and most distinguished family of wig-makers in the world — the Westmores. George Westmore, a dynamic Englishman, is in complete charge of the make-up department of M-G-M. His son Pure (who was Percy until he was numerologized) is make-up director of First National and Warner Brothers, with an elder brother, Monty, as one of his assistants. Over at RKO Purc's twin, Ern (nee Ernest) is the god of grease paint; Ern Westmore applies gold body paint — another feature of the make-up tricks — to Miss Nadine Dore for a novelty chorus number on the RKO lot, Ma.x Factor — who knows more about make-up than perhaps any other person living — personally takes the pnff and gives Ruth Roland a dab «>r two for Reno. George Westmore, one of make-up land's foremost exponents of amazing transformations, adds fifty years to Gavin Gordon for his part in Romance. while at Paramount a kid brother, Wally, is one of Jim Collins' busiest helpers. There are a couple of very young Westmores growing up; and all the senior Westmores are married to make-up women save Ern, who wed Ethelyn Claire a few months ago amid spectacular publicity. EACH of the five Westmores has his own specialty. George won international fame by bobbing the famous Mary Pickford curls and creating a sophisticated bob around which to build a completely new film personality. He and Monty are noted for their "straight" make-ups. Ern has concentrated on characterizations and "disfigures" even the most enchanting physiognomies. Betty Pierce, a pretty young girl, emerged from Ern's sanctum looking, as the script on Smooth as Satin specified, "fifty, prison-bent, and full of dope" ! Young Wally would rather make beards than wear them any day; while Pure is the ace wig-maker of Hollywood. By the terms of his contract Pure may take orders from any individual or studio in Hollywood in his off-hours. He created the wigs worn by Ruth Chatterton in Sarah an'd Son \_Continued on page 81} 55