The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1913-10-17
LONDONERS SLOW TO APPLAUD

That English methods of acting are
altogether too hidebound with tradi-
ton and that recognition for the ne"
beginner Is something exasperatinsiy
difficult of attainment, Is the opinion
OF Miss Constance Collier, the beauti-
full English actress who comes to the
Cort theater next week in William
Faversham's production of Julius
Caesar Miss Collier should know
whereof she speaks, for she is one OF
the best known figures on the London
stage. because Of her seven years
service as leading woman for Sir Her
bert Beerbohm Tree at His Majesty )
theater.
In London" she said, "a new act
ress or actor striving for recognition
on first night must possess the d.
plomacy of a Machiavelli and the
egoism of Hall Game. added to ex-
ceptional talent, to make even a
slight impression on the critics and
the public. One must face an au-
dience bored to death with the ac-
cepted London traditions of acting
and yet accepting them out of habit,
an audience fearful of having its con-
ventionaI notions disturbed. The
presence of such an audience puts a
damper Immediately on a young and
fresh personality seeking to be differ
emit and the possessor of that person
atty must have exceptional gifts and
exceptional strength of character II
he or she gets over" as you so terse-
~ put it over here
I'm America things are so different.
You are not afraid of change, of new
IDEAS You are not specially inter-
ested in traditions. You love quick
results and you are not fearful Of
giving prompt and overnight recog-
milton to some new face or to some
new personality which has pleased
and delighted you But those new
faces are so often forgotten Where
are the stars of yesteryear% as a one
time American star recently said to
me, with a wan smile on his face.
Perhaps, too, many Of your overnight
stars are spoiled by too quick recog-
milton. The taste of fame too often
causes them to be satisfied with
themselves. and satisfaction with
oneself is fatal to permanent success.
I'm London, once you are estab-
1ished. you are made for all time.
You are permanent fixture, as much
a
gar monument or the Thames en-
bankment. Here one is left alone to
do ones best 1t is easier to arrive.
but harder to stay. because, like a
huge Kaleidoscope, wonderful America
changes every moment-thoug hts,
ideas. politics. ideals. ambitions. ira
ditions. If one Is mere grain in
that Kaleidoscope, one is apt to get
lost"
Male stars predominant in the book
ings at the Columbia theater during
this season, and among them will be
many of the most prominent on the
American stage Henry Miller comes
after "The Count of Luxembourg"
and, after Miller, Julian Eltinge will
bring The Fascinating Widow" Rob-
ert Hilliard in 1.-The Argyle Case"
Otis Skinner in "Kismet and John
Drew are among those coming west
this winter
Oliver Morosco, the Los Angeles
manager, one of Americas most sue
ces5ful producers. will ask verdict
from San Francisco next week on his
newest play, Help Wanted" which
will be given at the Alcazar Monday
night. Morosco wants to see how
this city will take his play before in
PRODUCING it to blase Broadway.
Help Wanted" is problem play con-
corning Miss Employe and Mr.. Big
Business Employer