Evening star., 1919-08-17
David Bel..co Nervou.-1t is a

David BelascO Nerv0us-It is
rather difficult thing to imagine David
Belasco. the greatest of all playmak-
ers, getting nervous over things the
atrical. But that very thing has hap
turned the trick"
The Stage Woman's War Relief
famous for its war work in this
country, felt compelled to do some
thing out of the ordinary to replenish
it's depleted treasury. and SO. some
months ago. it conceived the idea OF
having stage celebrities perform be-
fore the camera for the first time in
their careers, in a series of twelve
motion picture plays. David Belasco
was singled out as one of these ce-
lebrities. and. despite his inflexible
resolve not to do so. the women over
came his objections and he made his
first and only appearance in picture
that was called "A Star Over Night"
written by Ann Irish, the playwright.
1t was while the scenes for this
a technical term, that Belasco was
visited with the worst attack Of stage
fright he had ever known. He took
the young camera directors orders
with perfect humility and was sanity
scrupulous in his every moment in his
But, the moment his work was
completed, he rushed to his studio at
the very top of his Belasco Theater
and collapsed.
IT have refused offers from motion
picture people that sounded like ex-
aggerated dreams of the Arabian
Nights" he began. Time and again
have propositions been advanced to
me to perform for but the briefest
time before the camera for a sum
that made my mouth water. But as
nattering as the offers have been, my
refusal to be connected with the
screen in any capacity has been un-
wavering.
MY entire Interpretation of a play
depends upon color, mood and the
spoken word. My lighting effects and
the artificial shades that can pro-
gitimate stage are vital elements of
my art. I cannot obtain these effects
before the calcium light.
Even here in my private studio,
when I am alone and away from the
world of make-believe, I must Gre
ThSsways of the motion picture are
mo- my ways. The possibilities of the
uaUra do not include the elements of
mEork. Even If I cannot appear
beSfe thousand eyes through the
iarG at the same time. 1 am content
wy. The picture field is closed to
me- mot to it. as many may think.
But-I shall continue to be nery-
GUS very nervous until 1 see that
film.sj
Jsi1a Dean In \ Coincidenee.-Julia
Dean. the accomplished stage star
andzscreen player, and a wonderful
favorite in Washington, today and
through next Thursday will be seen
in a@play in person on the legitimate
stage. and, at the same time, within
easH.walking distance. as one of the
feae4fed players in Elsie Ferguson's
newsphotoplay. "a Society Exile"
It's but happy coincidence which
brings Miss Dean to stage and screen
in the capital in the same week, for
the-""dual appearance" is purely for
tuifous.
The management of Loew's Palace
however, is to extend an invitation to
Mis- Dean during the early part OF
this week to witness the new Fer
gdson photoplay and also. if agree
abe TO her. to make a little speech
from the stage.
Player and Photoplay.-It is not
stfange that the photoplay should
present both in a stellar and in a
supporting capacity players who have
rnade their mark on the stage legiti-
n3te. THE Way of a Woman" Nor
In4 Talmadge's new feature, is a
sticking example. Conway Tearle. the
1e4ding man. has supported Ellen
Terry, Ethel Barrymore, Grace
George. Viola Allen. Billie Burke and
Sic Charles Wyndham. Jobyna How
land. recently seen in THE Gold Dig
GERS" with Ina Claire is well known
insspeaking productions of note. Has
said Short, is, was until very re-
"ehtly. playing an important role will
Fay BANTER in East Is West" while
Gaorge lie Guerre and Stuart Holme.
are conspicuousIy cast in prospectiv,
Bnpadway successes now in rehearsal
TIE actor of merit has his place il
the photoplay as we'll as in the speak
ing drama. He has that wherewith t.
enrich both.