The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-20
MIR. KYRLE BELLEW.

ter B-a-l-l-o-o-n,n'
 It was Buttons at the Hotel Hillman, yesterday afternoon, whose strdent tones might be heard paging Mr. Kyrle Bel lew. to whom I had sent my card a few moments before.
 In a brief space of time "The Matinee Idor' (for Mir Bellew has had and held this appellation for many years) appeared in the Palm Room where I was waiting, and I stood face to face with "Raffles' delighted G--not he} and stared.
 And listen, Angel Faces:
 Hefs just as good looking off the stage as on
 His eyes are the lovliest things you've ever seen.
 He's tall and straight and splendid, and he's brim full of magnetsm-clear up to the top and running over
 MT. Bellew is very gracious and we talked of many things.
 Many things, is absolutely correct, for Mr. Bellew talks about anything un- der the sun-except himself
 The simuosities of his mind in eluding direct questions about himself are less remarkable than the personal distinction, the suave and verile dignity and easy suggestion of reserved force which has made him the most accomplished of ac- tors
 When l got my breath again l said
 How does it feel to be Matinee Idol?"
 It was a 'chance shot, but it took ef- feet, and MT. Bellew said, very modestly
 Why, am I? I didn't know it. Don let's say so, anyway
 Tn print, you mean?' I interpolated, and then followed up my question by saying:
 .Do Nell me the correct pronunciation of your name?'
 "The pleasure is entirely mine replied Mir. Bellew, seemingly delighted to give the desired information. Did you hear that .Buttons' calling me MT. Balloon Yes? Well, that's the way l am called that way and every other way from bell boys to United States senators. They call me 'Curlie; they call me Blue they call me every and anything but Kyrle (CurD Bellew (Bell-you) with the accent on the Bell
 ''Thank you,'' I said. "I believe life IS worth living now that I know how to pronounce your name correctly and that of Madame Ala Nazimova (Na-zee-mo- va). The accent is on the Zee, if you please. Her manager told me so last week. and I breathed a sigh of relief, and felt like crying out, 'AllaQD be Praised. I did, truly"
 q am of English-Irish extraction MT. Bellew volunteered, and my Christian name is my mothers family name. On the other side it isn't considered quite as unusual as it is in the states"
 q have seen few interviews with you, MT. Bellew," I suggested. Don't you like interviews?"
 Newspaper people are very dangerous said MT. Bellew thoughtfully. And you are quite right. You scarcely ever see an interview from me. The reason? l have been misquoted so often I have taken rather dislike to such things"
 For instance I suggested.
 "A recent example was when I was playing an engagement In the west, just ct the time the New theatre in New York was opened and had it's premiere re- asked me for my ideas about the plan. the principles and policy of the new or ganization. I gladly told him what I thought on the subject. and thought that was the last of it. Imagine my horror when I got a wire from my managers in New York in couple of days, saying:
 What is this you've been saying about the New theatre?' I wired back: Don't know; haven't read the paper They re- piled postmaster Get one immediately and read your account. I did so, and fancy my feelings when I read the most atrocious attack upon the New theatre and particularly of MT. Patrick Camp bell. with whom l have played in Lon don, and who is a personal friend of mine besides I made a denial of it; but alas the work was done. What was the use?'
 And what do you think of the New theatre?' I asked, taking my cue from the little story.
 'Everything that is on high plane and in earnest in the desire to uplift the stage. is a help" replied Mr. Bellew. We need good play houses and plenty of them
 But what is the prime need of the stage today-more actors and better ones, or more plays and better ones?' l asked
 More plays, decidedly and better ones, was the quick answer. '"rhere are scores of good actors now idle mere lv because there are so few vehicles for their talent Dramatists like Pinero, Somerset Maugham
 And our friend G. B. S." I interrupted
 "No, Shaw doesn't take himself se- riously and no man Is successful who doesn't do that" replied MT. Bellew. we need wholesome, healthy drama for the stage--the people demand it, and the ac- tors want it..
 
 and hints and ices followed the pink tone.
 Receiving the callers in the hall were Mrs. John England, Mrs. Angus Macey Taylor and Miss Lillian Moore bowl of punch was presided over by Miss Lil- Han Hughes. Miss Maybeth Beddow, Miss