When the movies were young (1925)

no When the Movies were Young and determined right off to get him down to the studio. He had to be subtle. He never knew what mighty indignation might be hurled at him for simply suggesting "movie acting" to a legitimate actor. But Jim Kirkwood made good his promise to come, and no effort was spared to make the visit both pleasant and impressive. I always thought we wrere a rather well-behaved lot — there was rather strict discipline maintained at all times. But on this occasion we old troupers were told to "sit pretty/' to be quiet and stay in the dressing-room if there were no scenes being taken in which we were working, and if we were called upon to work, to please just "work" and not be sociable. Our director seemed to be somewhat ashamed of his faithful old crew. So the studio remained hushed and awed — a solemn dignity pervaded it. In the dressing-room, those who didn't know what was going on said, "Why are you all so quiet?" "Oh, don't you know?" we sang in unison. "There's a Broadway actor out there, from the Henry Miller Company." "Oh, you don't say so!" The effect was funniest on Mack Sennett. He wore a satirical smile that spoke volumes. For he had divined that these "up-stage" new actors were to get more than five per day ; besides, he was getting few enough parts as things were, now where would he be ? "Lord Jim" was certainly treated with great deference. He was shown several scenes "in the taking," and then escorted upstairs to see some of Mary Pickford's pictures. The Cook's tour over, Mr. Kirkwood agreed to appear in the movies. A slow, easy manner had Jim Kirkwood, which with