Los Angeles herald., 1906-11-11

with one character that any outward
manifestation was visible. Now we live
In an era Of types: Il is not a question
Of can you play the part? II Is a ques-
tlon Of do you look it?'"
why is this7'
"Ip the modern school there is no cur-
riculum, no fundamental basis to go by.
In my young days the actor had to act;
there was no excuse for a bad actor:
now the general trend Of things ia to
go TO types Actors and actresses are
passed before scrutinizing eyes seeking
types I'm much the same manner as n
flock of sheep Is passed upon at the
stock yards. A few are selected and
the balance cast aside because they are
not peculiarly fitted to the physical re-
uuirements of the part. Under such
conditions how In heavens name can an
actor or actress avoid assuming the
characteristics Of character that they
themselves practically exempllhed prior
to its assumption?
Mentality Not Altered
"As far as the mental Transformation
of the man to the character Is concerned,
It Is different. Inever could see any rea-
son to lead me to believe that by the
constant depicting Of ineanlty an actor
should become insane, any more than
that it is necessary for an actor to be-
come a habitual drunkard I'm order
truthfully to portray the ravages of de-
llrium tremens.
Long association with dishonest peo-
pie never made an honest man thief,
nor does the society of a blase woman
make the chaste woman depart from the
path of virtue. Unless the mentality Is
naturally depraved or unbalanced prior
to that association no afTiliation or af-
atatt fA ms
the course of morality, unless the basic
law of immortality has already been
established. Environment has been
as "A cloak to cover many deed tnat
was created in the brain long before the
opportunity was presented, hence So
ciety or association cannot be held
responsible for any more than merely
affording the means whereby the role
may be enacted. So with the drama;
unless the players have a naturally
weak mentality that would eventually
make itself manifest under Whatever
conditions no portraiture OF character
will alter the mental temperament or
divorce the rational man from his IN
nate principles"
But do you prefer Falstaff to your
other roles? Do you, in other WORDS
delight in comedy? Or were you 10
be a spectator at play what sort
would you select for your own delecta-
tion? ?"
whenever have an opportunity 10
avail myself of one of the offerings sub
mitted on the theatrical menu always
select comedy; good, honest, legitimate
comedy. Why? Simply because l en-
Joy the expression of humor infnitely
better than the exposition of pathos.
This may be attributed somewhat 10
the fact that during my long career aS
an actor the major portion of the char-
acters | have protrayed have peen
either emotional or tragic; then, again.
in everyday life one is of necessity COZ cor
fronted by so much sorrow ana allile-
tion that the relaxation from grave 10
CAV is a veritable tonic, one that is coIl-
ducive to beneficial results poth liieH-
tally and physically.
when I go to theater cast aslue
every critical thought, pick out
comedy or a laughter play If can anu
consign myself solely to the purpose OF
being entertained, and l can truthtuily
say / am enjoying every moment tiiat
I am there Laughter, good nearly
laughter, is splendid panacea for an
ills, so with mirth and laughter let Hlu
wrinkles come say l. Does 'na'
answer your query? Doesn't that M
form you which of my many par'e
love the most?"
1t did.