The Washington times., 1915-07-16
THE BEST
Photoplay Department in
WASHINGTON
Stage Experience An
Important Factor
In Success Of a
Film Director

Attention has been called several
times recently to the success of we'll
known stage directors in the produc-
ton of motion pictures. The man
who Is familiar with stage craft
through years of experience is said
to be the most capable Of ell direc-
tors of film plays after he has
learned the technicalities of the
camera and the difference between
producing for an audience on a big
stage and for a camera In the con-
fined limits of the studio.
Griffith Is said to have learned all
his stage craft as an actor and as q
laywright-although he never had
opportunity to show II on the stage
forces was a well-known stage direc-
tor before he investigated the possi-
bilities of the pictures. Barry
ONeil of the same company was also
well known on the stage as were
Charles Kent, Of the Vitagraph COM
pany; Edwin Thanhouser. of the
Thanhouser corporation, and many
others.
A new director who has recently
entered the film field after winning
some success as q photoplayer is
Duncan McRae. of the Edison forces.
whose career might illustrate just
what sort of experience is necessary
to make a good director for the pic
lures. Mr.. McRae Is a brother Of
Bruce McRae. a nephew of Sir
Charles Wyndham, the English actor
and Of the late Bronson Howard, the
playwright.
He was born in London and when
to become a cowbay on the ranch
his brother Bruce was managing in
Wyoming. Bruce McRea. as is we'll
known to his friends. was a regular
cowboy for several years before he
became an actor. Before Duncan
business of his brother. however.
he was persuaded to become a
member of a company playing
through the English provinces.
Returning to London. he became
stage director at the Criterion Thea
ter. where he also acted. In Eng
land he played roles without count,
his heavy" work scoring high. Re-
ceiving an offer from Charles Froh-
man to direct his Duke of YORK
Theater, and with six months to
spare before the beginning of the
contract. Mr. McRea took the we'll
known japanese players. with Loie
Fuller, all over Europe.
He then produced some notable
- shsAhsSi "hNpS
destinies he guided for twelve years
His work In many English plays.
whose names are unfamiliar TO
Americans. won exceptional encon-
iums as an actor of an uncommon
range of characters. He was appear
ing with Fannie Ward in Madame
President" when he left the road and
Joined the Edison forces, a year and
a half ago.
From the very first Mr.. McRea
stamped an indelible personality and
a high character of work on the
screen. His portrayals are sketched
with the technique of authority that
impresses one with its clean-cut de-
lineation despite its intensity. His
light comedy Is touched with all the
delightful artistery OF the old school
of one who knows. Sincerity is
stamped all over him.
Some of his late films are the &C.
centric comedy character In the
Dolly of the Dailies" series; the
heavy" in THE Man in the Street; :"
THE Master Mummer;" as Admiral
Farragut in The Southerners; :"
The Long Way The Impersona-
tor" The Isle of sarne;" the count
In Greater Than Art" and the
crazed inventor in 'On the Stroke OF
Twelve"