The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-12-23
PHOTOPLAYS AND
PHOTOPLAYERS
Washington Leading
Man to Make Film
Debut H ere
This Week.
By GARDNER MACK.

The photoplay enthusiasts OF
Washington as well as the theater-
Soers of the city who have been
patrons OF the stock companies are
10 have their first opportunity 10
view one of their particular favor
ties on the screen tomorrow and
next day when Richard Buhler viii
make his debut in Washington as a
motion picture star With DorotlIg-
Donnelly in the William Foz film
version OF Henri BeTnstein's The
Thief at CraEuan's Theater. Since
The announcement was made in The
Times some months ago that Mr..
Buhler~- contemplated taking up mo
ton picture work instead OF the
stage, considerable interest has been
manifested among his many friends.
Mr.. Buhler has the distinction OF
being not only a great favoTfts
as a leading man among the theater-
aoers of the city, but he is also q
native OF Washington, and prob
ably has more friends here than any
other actor who has claimed this
city as his home. He was here for
almost a year as leading man or the
Poll company, and by his work as
an actor increased the large circle
OF friends he already claimed.
In The Thief he plays an impor-
tSnt part, although he does not fE-
u-e in more than about onc-thir1 OF
the scenes of the play. He was Sc
lected for this part because OF the
fine performance he had given Of 1t
in the theatrical production of the
play, and because Miss Donnelly re-
CARDS him as one of the best leading
men for this sort or a part in the
country. The result OF his work IS
said 10 be unusually good. 1t is in
fersstIng to note that Mr.. Buh,er
has become very enthusiastic about
the work OF actors in motion pictures,
and declares that in certain par
Iiculars, II requires even more skill
10 be successful before the camera
than before an audience. He states
that the actor is put upon his -nettle
when acting before the camera as he
never Is on the stage. The only audi
encc he has is the director and the
members of the company, and in
stead of applause he must listen to
directions as TO how to play the part
shouted at him through the mega
nhone by the director. He gets little
announcement from such an audi
ence because he knows that every
little movement will be watched and
attention called TO it in no uncertain
terms The whole mission of the
picture is to show action, and the
actor who can best register the varf-
Gus emotions on the film is the man
who achieves success on the screen.
Mr.. Butler has signed a contract
with the William Fox company, and
viii appear in q number OF plays
with Miss Donnelly and other stars.
One of his associate players Is Ed
mund Breese.
Because several inquiries have been
made regarding the final decision or
Mary Pickford regarding her future
work, announcement Is made that
Miss Pickford has declined other
main with the Famous Players for
auother season. There have been
lumber of conflicting statements re-
Esrding Mss PiclzfOrd's plans for
the coming season, so that TINS
statement, which comes directly
from her. would seem TO settle the
matter Incidentally it is stated that
Miss Pickford's contract calls FOR q
SALARY Of 800 90 for the year.
81 am very thankful for the nu-
rncrous hattering offers recently eN-
tended 20 me. but / sincerely believe
that I cannot conscientiously con-
slider any other course than TO re
main with the Famous Players
company l am certain that my con-
1iuued association with this COM
pauy will provide greater oppor-
l1nities fof distinctive film creations
than could be offered by any other
actor in the film world. I owe the
public, who have so splendid sup
ported and encouraged me through
out my entire career. careful con
sideration in this important poinL,
md ! feel that in extending my at
"liation with the Famous Players !
an best repay. in some small meas
IRE. the thoughtful regard that the
bile has so often demonstrated for
he higher element OF film offerings"