Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-01-18

Arthur V. johnson. "movle" star. who
made millions laugh and weep. is dead.
His final exit removes one of the most
popular actors In the world of silent
drama. But death will not remove him
from tho photoplay stage. While rela-
tlves and friends are mourning the actors
loss today at his home, I'LL Spring Gar
don street. he Is entertaining multttudes
in every nook and corner of the world
where moving pictures are known.
The last scene OF his eventrul life was
enacted as he wished 1t to be-quictlN.
His mother Mrs. NJ. \. Johnson. was
summoned from her home at Northamp-
ton. Mass, few days ago and watched
him night and day. Just n few minutes
yesterday. when he seemed especially
cheerful, she left him. When she re-
turned to his bedside he was dead.
His collapse was due to nervous
breakdown brought on by overwork. lie
was i'll for several months.
News of Mr.. Johnson's death came as
a great blow 10 the officials of the Lu-
bin Company, who regarded him as their
own particular son, Sigmund Lubln dis
covered his worth when he was playing
unfeatured roles for other companies, and
the movie star soon proved that the
local producer was right. At the studio.
20th street and Indiana avenue, where
Mr.. Johnson was a familiar figure, all
was quiet today A feeling of gloom per-
meated the various stages in this little
world of romance. The actors could not
put their hearts into the work The Eek
ira" boy. who was simply part of the
atmosphere, as well as the other stars,
all knew the departed actor intimately.
MADE MILLIONS LAUGH
His eyes alone frequently told as much
as the entire story. He made an audience
Ia, h,. 40 aleVa tinn of his
brows. The artistic touch was apparent
in his lveliest comedy as well as In his
most romantic dramas.
He sat on IA chair with the unconscious
grace of a Chesterfield. When he kissed
woman's hand IL was like Il chapter
in history. 1t was a treat to see him
enter and leave n room. He gave his
hat and cane to a servant like a lord of
the manor. His frown was a barrier
against intimacy and his order to IA hire
ling was a command from an emperor.
The spirit of romance radated from his
entire being. and 1t is small wonder that
he dominated every scene In which he
entered.
Evidence that his memory will be per-
petuated is already forthcoming. The
I.ubin Company was bcsieged today for
pictures of any kind In which he has APP
peared. II is figured that the public will
be more eager than ever to see the man
who has been their prime favorite for
many years
In speaking of the nous ! OWE actor.
Mr.. Lubin said:
Mr. Johnson unquestionably held a
unique place as Il producer and an actor.
He stamped the impress of his art on
every photoplay he filmed for the Lubn
Company He could handle n delicate.
complex situation with surprising skill,
and the next instant attain climax with
almost terrifying strength and passion
There was an ever-present virility and
certainty of expression In Johnson
photoplay. There were never any surred
moments nor did he ever sink to the
maudlin nor resort to the grossly sem
satioual for his appeal; yet he projected
his message unfailingly. This may eN-
plain why n woman, unable to read the
captions well, declared that II didn't make
any difference when the big man acted,
Mr.. Johnson was prodigal with his
time and patience when working 1t was
not an uncommon sight for him 10 de-
vote 30 minutei to continuous repetitions
of a bit of business which an extra
could not grasp, rather than speak
bluntly to the beginner 1t was this con-
sideration of others which endeared him
to the rank and file OF Lubin workers,
lie had an inimitable sense OF humor.
which was almost impossible to record"
BURN IN iON A.
Mr., johnson was 30 years old. He was
born in Davenport, Iowa. He ran away
from college at the age of 10 and Joined
a travelling company which was pro-
ducing Shakesperean plays. Then he
drifted TO the romantic drama, playing
with Sol Smith Russell; Robert b. Man
tell, who had not yet essayed Shake
sperean roles; Marie Wainwright, and In
Shaw's "Cashel Byron's Profession"
He responded to the call of the
movies about seven years ago, and
Joined the Biograph Company under the
direction of D. w. Griffith, He played
opposite to Lillian Walker, Mary Pick
ford, Henry B. Walthall, Marion Leon
ard and James Kirkwood Four years
ago he Joined the Lubin forces.
Mr.. Johnson's father IS the Rev. DR.
NJ A. Johnson, a retired Episcopal
Clergyman. His wife is known on the
stage as Mary Vaughan. In addition to
hig Darents and widow, he Is survived