The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1919-03-15

to her meeting with Sarah Bernhard
and her impressions of the great
French artist, for Pearl was fortunate
in having received Sarah's apprecia-
ton of her. 1t happened thus:
Madame Bernhard was playing an
engagement in Savannah, and hearing
that Miss White was in town, tent her
word that she would like to have her
call upon her in her dressing room at
the Savannah Theatre after the eve
ning's performance. Miss White ac-
cepted the invitation and through the
good services of Director Edward Jose
had an extended interview with the
famous F-renchwoman.
Madame Bernhard told the screen
star that, as the name Pearl White"
was just as famous in France as in
the United States, she could not resist
the opportunity of making her acquain-
lance, especially as she herself, had
seen with pleasure, "The Mysteries of
New York." the title under which the
Exploits of Elaine was released in
France.
And here is Miss Whites interesting
account of how she 'broke into" the
pictures. 1t is in itself a romance of
endeavor and success, with elements
of surprise-just like one of Pearls
serials.
about five years ago l was leading
of a stock company playing
near New York, and l was just about
played out. I'd had no vacation in a
long time, and my voice needed a rest.
Mrs. o. A. Miller joined the company
one week and suggested that l go into
moving pictures.
"She gave me a list of film compa-
MES, so the next morning l dressed in
my best, went to the theatre, rehears-
ed my nex weeks play until noon and
then caught a train for New York.
1t was January, the thermometer was
below zero and there was several feet
of snow on the ground. Oh, yes, be
sure l remember it very well!
ARRIVING in New York l set out on
foot to a film studio on 10Th Street.
You see money was scarce with me
then and | wanted to save that nickel.
l asked to see the man who engaged
the players and was asked to wait.
After awhile a man walked out and
said, L an Mr.. Wharton, the director,
and the man who engages people,
81 was very young and very small
and he seemed about eight feet tall.
l asked him for a job, and, as he after
wards admitted he took me for a
young thing from the country with a
stage bee buzzing in her bonnet. So
in a very fatherly way he gave me a
lot of advice, told me it was hard to
get an engagement in pictures, and
still harder to keep it-that if l had a
job of any sort, to stick to it. He said
he had no opening for me at that time,
but later if was in New York perma-
nently, he might be able to use me
once in a while.
81 went back to my show somewhat
disappointed, but still determined.
The next week l came again to New
York and saw the second name on my
list. There the director took me more
seriously, and offered me an engage
ment beginning with the next week.
| stayed with that company for one
year, and then determined to try a
concern. So l went oVer to
Jersey to the Pathe studio and asked
to see a director.
In a couple of minutes | was in
presence of Theodore Wharton
again. This time he was more encour-
aging and recommended me to a fell
low director. l was engaged and I re-
NAMED with Pathe for some years,
but Theodore Wharton left the compa-
ny the day after l Joined and l didn't
meet him again until my affairs again
took a turn.
81 had just finished "The Perils of
Pauline" and my contract was nearly
with Pathe. I was undecided
whether to stay in pictures or go back
to the dramatic stage or into vaude-
Vile. The Pathe people informed me
that they wanted me to play in a new
serial to be produced by some new di-
rectors. l was asked to meet them.
| walked into the office and there was
Theodore Wharton again. My mind
at once made up. l said to Mr..
Wharton, Every time my career takes
turn you cross my path first and it
has always meant more success for me.
| will pay Elaine'l"