South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-06-20
LIFE BEFORE THE
MOVIE CAMERA IS
ONE OF HARDSHIP
Question Frequently Asked
by AspirantS to the Screen
Clearly Answered.

What do I have to be to be an
actor Cor actress) for the motion
pictures?
This is a question propounded
more frequently than perhaps any
other by aspirants or even by those
who have merely a relative interest
in the profession.
Why does Tom. Dick or Mary sue
coed whore others fail? What is
the magic open sesame to the work?
If talent is there, hardly anything
will prevent its expressing itself
sooner or later. Whether II receives
its full mead of expression or no de
ponds on circumstances surrounding
the individual. The desire to act
seems innate with almost every hu-
man being. Perhaps this is because
we are all actors and the world is
stage. Even business life, CONNER
cial pursuits, the lay professions, re-
quire some ability TO act. We are
acting when we try TO sell" an idea
10 someone; we are acting when we
sell a piece Of real estate or a yard Of
ribbon.
But to act as an actor. to inter
pref a role. 10 be at home on stage
or screen, requires something more.
For a woman, unless in character
roles. appearance is a big factor. but
never imagine that mere beauty
alone will win you a high place in
the dramatic profession. In a man,
physique. the ability to wear clothes
properly. self possession-a1 are es-
senial. And an absence of self
consciousness. usually the result Of
experience. is required almost pri-
marily.
In the speaking stage. the voice
is a big factor, but in the silent
drama. this is of small importance.
Success in acting requires poise
and Imagination combined. We ad-
mire the actor who can appear per-
testify at home in a Characterization
and this is the result of poise.
Undoubtedly early environment
has a lot TO do with it. A person
reared in a theatrical family. hearing
more of the stage or screen than
anything else. could hardly fail TO
become an actor Of some kind. Edu-
cation. therefore, is a prime factor.
To become an actor or actress for
the screen, requires first OF all. then.
an interest IN art. Next II requires
experience. To attain this. provid-
ing the individual is still young
enough 20 absorb readily, even extra
work in pictures or 'supeing' for the
stage. is an admirable way TO begin.
But today the supply exceeds the de-
mand in either field.
L. NJ. Goodstadt. casting director
Hollywood. has several times in the
past been quoted rs saying that he
had hardly more 10 do than think
a certain type Of extra than a whole
string Of such people were at his
window. This is Of course an exag-
geration. But let him advertise. or
tell someone. that he needs, say
blonde girl about nineteen and
Weighing perhaps lis by tomorrow
and there Will be dozens OF applica-
tons before the day IS over.
This should not discourage the per
sons. who are IN earnest, however.
but IL should discourage this girl or
youth who. living in some remote
village or city. decides that the life
I Of the screen actor or actress is a
wonderful thing and sets out 20 seek
la studio with the belief that he or
she will Immediately be employed.
I The waiting IS sometimes long and
( heartbreaking- even after you
are actually at work as an extra, IL
may be a long time before you get a
chance 10 play a real part
Beauty in a girl Is OF course a
valuable asset. where the inguenue
or leading woman role is aspired to.
But here there is something else 10
be considered. Not all beauty IS
adapted 70 the screen. Certain faces
/ screen" well. others do not. and
7 sometimes the lovliest face in actual
life. is not nearly 50 good for the
pictures as the one less beautiful but
T possessed Of greater character.
Acting schools as a rule are not
II much avail and there are 80 many
+ fakes among them that one must
/ beware OF the attractive advertise
F.. ment and promises 20 make you a