davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1925-10-18
MR.. HUGHES MAIL.

MIR. HUGHES MAIL.
I always tell them that they have
no more right to submit alleged
plots than a dumb man has to ask
an engagement as singer or a
blind man as painter.
From all parts of the world I
have received heartrending letters
telling personal stories Of frantic
anxiety for success and enclosing
manuscripts OF appalling ineptitude.
A woman writes that her hus-
band has died. leaving her with
debts and children. and no place
to turn. She has perhaps paid out
hundred dollars, an almost fatal
extravaganza, for a course OF les
sons in. writing scenarios; and she
has turned out the enclosed plots
which she begs me to sell for her, or
to buy from her and use as my own.
Most Of these manuscripts are full
of misspelled words, crooked SEN
fences, twisted old stupidities of
plot and incident. This would not
matter If their plots had grammar.
But they are utterly hopeless as
material for pictures. The only
thing dramatic about them is the
terrific suspense of their authors.
the sardonic smile of the fate that
has lured them to such waste of
time, such squandering of hope.
An elderly widow writes me from
a farm in Oregon. She cannot
spell. Her story would be ride
ulous if it were not for her solem-
nifty. II I cannot sell it for her she
will lose her farm. I have to write
her that the farm must go.
STORIES LACK INTEREST.
A young wife miserably trapped
in the bush Of Australia sends me
an empty and boresome story and
tells me her own situation, which
is appalling but could not be used
because it is too personal and the
censors would never let it pass. If
the story could be sold she could
escape a CHASTITY wreck. After a
long delay over just how to ex-
plain the stupidity of her fiction
to one whose realities are so dra-
matte 1 painfully compose an ella
borate letter. 1t comes back at
last. She is no longer at that adj
dress.
Yet when people write iand offer
me their own life-stories-as hun
San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1925-10-18
A FEW SLIP BY.

n TE" olItT d.
In spite of all that can be done
to stop them, they continue to come.
In spite of all the obstacles, some
person slips through and wins
enough success or appearance of
success, to keep hope alive.
A few women have earned very
large moneys as writer's of seen
arios and continuities. A few wom-
en- novelists have sold books that
have been made into successful pic
tures-often to the amazement of
the authors who do not recognize
their children after Hollywood has
finished with them.
But the percentage of success
is so small and the conditions of
success are so definite, that / feel
it a duty to issue a warning to all
women who contemplate committing
synopses. The number is infinite
apparently and no walk of life is
exempt from the temptation.
Though I am neither a studio nor
a syndicate, l have been deluged
with manuscripts from people in
all parts Of the world, from wo-
men of wealth and literary glory
to farm-wives, ranch-hands, and
cooks.
There is one vital and subtle diff
ference between the unstable
scenarios and those that sell. The
successful scenarists are in the
market place every day and have
some knowledge of their customers.
The others send their wares from
a distance and send them at the
wrong time to the wrong place.
Everybody on earth-and at sea
seems to be writing motion pictures
scenarios.
3 OUT OF $4,000.
A computation was made not
long ago of the number of scenarios
sent to Hollywood, and it was found
that more than $4,000 manuscripts
had been submitted to the studios.
OF these only three had contained
ideas worth using.
One tries to be courteous-espe-
cially to strangers, and to people
who have no claim on ones time.
So / have neglected my duties to
my family and the decencies and
obligations l owe my friends, in
order to read the manuscripts Of
San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1925-10-18

stars ana policy, and cannot con-
slider material unsuited to them.
The stars nd the policies change
constantly. The scenario writer in
Oklahoma cannot possibly know
what any given producer wants.
Even if the scenarist from Okla
homa knew how to present his plot
and had fine plot to present, it is
practically impossible to know just
where to send it, and just when.
Almost none of the people who
write for the movies have any cam
era sense. They do not see the
story in vision. Yet the plot must
be adapted to photography; it must
be, so to say, camerable. People
who would never try to write books
in foreign languages write photo
plays with no more learning.
How can one get into the camera
spirit who does not live near a cam
era?
The tragedy Of it is enormous.
. All over the world people are writ
ing scenarios. Some of them spend
money they cannot spare and time
they cannot afford TO waste on
courses of lessons. These courses
are fair enough; the principles Of
construction laid down in the
pamphlets are correct enough; the
criticisms passed on the manuscripts
are honest enough. But they are
all negative and you cannot go far
on a negation. You certainly can
not sell one in a market clamoring
for drama.
SPECIAL GIFT NEEDED.
Only people associated with mo-
ton pictures can conceive of the
vast fascination they have for the
public, the excitement they cause
and the creative urge they awaken.
Unfortunately they stimulate poor
souls who have no ideas, no train
ing, no opportunity.
Intellect is no proof of dramatic
ability. The story telling gift is
special gift and a difficult one TO
deyelop, even when it is Unborn.
Without it there is no hope.
/ have often said to charming
people who want to write for the
movies: "Have you the knack of
telling stories, and of dramatizing
life? From childhood on, have you
found that you can fascinate your
family and friends with your ac-
counts of what you have expert
enced or imagined? Do real incl
dents fall into dramatic shape in
your mind? Do imaginary charac-
tiers haunt you in such viyidness
that you love them, hate them, grow
anxious about them, long to justify
them to the world? Do you con-
sciously try to develop suspense in
your conversation? Are your dreams
filled with thrilling events? Do you
have a passion for arranging real
or imaginary happenings so that
they will excite your listeners
Have you a passion for stories as
stories?"
They usually cape at me in won
San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1925-10-18
You Have Scenario Write-Dont Says Rupert Hughe

of feeble limitations Of feeble imita-
tions of life. But this is true of the
vast bulk of plays, novels, poems,
short stories, statuary, architectural
and musical compositions.
The commercial aspect is consid-
cred in all the arts. always has been
and always will be. The expense
of motion picture is enormous. You
can put on a grand opera or build
several modest churches for the
San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1925-10-18

ANNABELLE: 1 like you too, but mustn't be silly.
BILL: But Myrtle didn't make such fuss about being kissed
ANNABELLE: That's Myrtle's business Maybe I'm more
particular Anyway you must be nice boy and behave
yourself, then I'll like you lot
BILL: Don't you love little?
ANNABELLE: l like you a lot.
BILL: I'd rather you'd love little than like lot.
ANNABELLE: got valentine like that l remember
it, beats time dish 7cih spoon as she rcciteS
Sometimes lot is little,
And sometimes Titles lot,
Depending of course on who's who and how come,
Who's who, and how come, and what's what.
For little of you is lot you see
San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1925-10-18

BILL Ito Annabe o keeping her head and trying hold
him off as he snagges up close and sings dreoply if
bit ont of tune):
Red Hot Mama, you're some Mama
Oh, yes, indeed!
claim that you should be
In the Follies, with the Dolles.
You've got pair of eyes
Just like old Swengali's -.
(Shades of Savnbwnc and Bobby BwnsD
ANNABELLE: Don't be foolish, sit up and be nice.
BILL: I'm crazy about you.
San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1925-10-18

people of whom I never heard, in
order that / might give a politely
detailed reason why l could not
buy or accept or secure the pro-
duction of their plots.
In the innumerable weller Of
manuscripts, l have almost never
found n treatment that ! felt
justified even in turning over TO
the manuscript department of a
studio, for its attention, and never
San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1925-10-18

wish him wouldn't drink any Hms going to be big
and make big place for himself in the world, isn't
him?
BILL: Betcha life Gimme kiss.
ANNABELLE No. wait minute. Him's going to work hard
and make big place for himself and Hims going TO quit
drinking lot of this silly, bad moonshine isn't him?
BILL: Why, what are yyou bawling me out for?
ANNABELLE I'm not bawling you out. Why should bawl
you out? I've had just many drinks you have. But
don't like them any than you do You drink them to
be good fellow drink them be good fellow, but
doesn't make good fellows out of us, don't think, do your
BILL: Well?
ANNABELLE: No. just makes and nasty, and want
San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1925-10-18

on a stage in one evening, with a
limited number of scenes, and two
or three breathing spells for the
audience-unless, of course, one is
writing for the Chinese theater.
TOO MUCH REPETITION.
Many of the manuscripts are ac-
companied by letters complaining
of the wretched pictures generally
manufactured. The criticism is
San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1925-10-18
"Studios Keep Snow Shovel Brigades
to Open Envelopes and Dump
Contents Back in Mails"
By RUPERT HUGHES

WHEN Columbus diseovered-or
w at least exposed-America to
Europe, he did what the inventors
of the motion picture did: He open
ed up n whole world Of new oppor-
tunities, new perils, new chances
for triumph and disaster, gold mines
and swamps.
The motion picture era came
along just rs womankind acquired
equality with mankind in public
life. The successes aud failures of
women in the screcn-world have
equaled those of the men. Little
girls and little boys have been shot
into the millionaire class and have
grown more famous than generals or
statesmen or criminals.
Enough has been written of the
cosmic success of actresses in the
films. Not so much has been writ
ten about the activity Of women as
producers, authors, editors, and
writer's of scenarios. Yet enough
has leaked out to stimulate a most
appalling output of manuscripts and
to change the climate of Hollywood.
Before the moving pictures set
tied down in those quiet hills and
created a city that has become a
world-word not only for itself but
for what it is supposed to stand for,
Hollywood had never seen snow
storm. There was great excitement
there a few years ago because few
flakes had been seen in the air.
They were carefully counted before
they melted and it was recorded
that 236 snowflakes had visited the
town.
A PAPER BLIZZARD.
But there is now an unceasing
snow-blizzard of manuscripts. The
air is always full of fluttcring seen
arios. Most of them are written by
women and hardly one of them has
ever been welcomed. The studios
keep so-called editorial departments
which are really snow-shovel brig
AIDES. All they do is open the en-
velopes, put the manuscripts i'll
other envelopes and dump them
Back in the mail.
This activity rivals that other har-
rowing industry of Hollywood which
consists of employing sorrowful men
known as casting directors, or cast
ing-out directors, who stand at a
window and tell an unending stream
Of women and children, men and
boys of oil sorts, conditions and
ages:
SORRY, but there is no job for you
today"
San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1925-10-18

price of an average movie. The
money goes out in thousand dollar
bills and comes back in nickels and
quarters. So the producer must
take thought of his customers if he
carns to 90 ON nrodncing.
San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1925-10-18
CAMERA SENSE LACKING.

Furthermore, producers find it
necessary to establish stock compa-
MES and to tie up such stars as they
can, lest they find themselves with
no actors to play the pictures. Con-
sequently, each studio has a few
San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1925-10-18

The westbound trains bring them
in in eager hordes, mail-coaches,
full of eager manuscripts, passenger
coaches, full of eager candidates.
The eastbound trains take them out
again.
San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1925-10-18

der, and confess that they want to
write because writing seems to be
comfortable and easy way of max
ing a fortune.
San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1925-12-03
CROCKETT STREET
WIDENING PLANNED

Another street widening proie It
which would speed up the flow Of traf-
fic in the downtown district is being
contemplated. Street Commissioner
Paul Z. Steffler announced Thurs
day.
When East Crockett street is re.
paved, it is hoped to widen the thor
oughfare, which will carry a great deal
of the city's traffic with the installa-
ton Of signal lights on Travis street
between Navarro and st. Mary's
streets.
Mr.. Steffler points out that the
sidewalk on the San Antonio river
side can be turned into the street and
a suspension sidewalk made over the
river.
The improving Of East Crockett. be-
tween the Presa street bridge and St
Mary's. will include new topping Of
1 IL inches of asphalt, according 20
Mr.. Steffler.
San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1925-12-03
YALE RETAINS
MAJOR SHARE
Of HON0RS
Navy Pushes Ellis for First
Place This Year,
However.

NEW YORK, Dec. 3.-P)-Yale
retains its grip on the major share Of
Eastern intercollegiate athletic laurels
for 1925 by a narrow margin.
1t holds or shares seven champion
ships. The Navy is second with a
grasp on six.
Yale's heaviest setbacks this year
came in track and football. Indi-
vidual titles were lost in golf and
cross country running.
Yale's rowing machine kept up its
victorious streak, while its swimming
and golf teams regained championship
heights. Hockey, indoor polo nnu
water polo honors also were gathered
again while Yale men shared fenc-
ing laurels with the Navy.
OUTSIDERS" SUCCESSFUL.
Southern California replaced Yale
as track champion. Fred Lamprecht,
of Tulane. came up from the South
to take the golf crown which Dex-
ter Cummings, of Yale, had worn for
two seasons. Yale's football team was
beaten by Pennsylvania and Prince
| ton.
The Navy regained rowing prestige
for the East by conquering the Uni
versity of Washington Huskies. The
Navy won the boxing title from Penn
State and retained gymnastic and rifle
shooting championships besides shar-
ing the principal fencing and swim
ming honors with Yale.
HOW THEY STACK UP.
A summary of the years competi-
| ton in nineteen branches OF sport, in
volving % titles. follow:
Basket ball (league Princeton
Boxing-Navy.
Fencing-Yale and Navy.
Gymnastics-Navy.
Hockey-Navy.
Polo-Yale.
SwimmingaYale and Navy.
Track (indoor)-Georgetown.
Water polo-Navy.
Wrestling-Penn State.
Baseball-Holy Cross and Pennsyl-
vania.
Cross-country (team)-Syracusc.
Cross-country (individuaD-W. L.
Tibbetts. Harvard.
Football-Dartmouth
Golf (team)-Yale.
Golf individually &c. F. Lamprecht,
Tulane.
Lacrosse (northern division)--
Syracuse.
Lacrosse (southern division)-
Maryland.
Polo-Harvard.
Rowing-Yale and Navy.
Rifle shooting-Navy.
Soccer Qeague)-Princeton.
Tennis (singles)-Ed Chandler,
Washington.
Tennis (doubles)-Stratford Hills.
California.
Track and field-Southern Califor-
MIA.
San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1925-12-03
GOODRICH BOUT
WITH V|NEz
ARRANGED
Other Champions to Box
on Christmas Fund
Card in Gotham.
BY WILLIAM SLOCUM
Universal Service Staff Correspondent.

Universal Service Staff Correspondent.
NEW YORK, Dec. 3.-J:mmy
Goodrich, American lightweight cham
pion as a result of his victory in the
elimination tournament last summer
will risk his title in the main event
of the Christmas fund boxing show at
Madison Square Garden on December
%. His opponent will be Lucien
yinez, lightweight champion of Eu-
rope, this making the bout an inter-
national affair for the worlds cham
pionship.
Articles were signed yesterday at
the offices of the boxing commission
by Vinez and his managers.
HE HOLDS THE TITLE.
Some have argued that Goodrich
is no champion in the true sense of
the word because of the difficulties
which caused cancellations and
changes in the lightweight elimination
tournament. But the fact remains
that he was the winner of the tourna-
ment, and that he is the successor to
Benny Leonard urtil somebody can
prove a better right to the title by
winning from Goodrich.
Vinez has official recognition rs
lightweight champion of Europe, and
he has done very well in his two bouts
since coming to this country.
Other bouts on the Christmas fund
card will be settled upon definitely to-
morrow. The title bout will be of Is
rounds, two others will be of 10
rounds each and there will be q six
round bout to open the show.
La BARBA ON BILL.
The opener will show another
American titleholder in Fidel La
Bara, who won the Flyweight crown
from frankie Genaro. Three or four
|flyweights are being considered as op-
ponents of the eighteen-year-old Cali
fornian.
Jimmy Slattery is a certainty for
the ten-round semi-final bout, but ar
ticles have not yet been signed by an
opponent for the Buffalo boy.
The other ten-round bout probably
will bring together Sailor Eddie Huff
man, the new Interchangeable SEN
sation from the Pacific Coast, mad Ad
Stone, Of Philadelphia.
San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1925-12-03
TAX FEE TEST ruling
FAVORS ASSESSORS

AUSTIN, Dec. 3.-Acation Of the
Supreme Court Thursday in granting
leave to file petition for mandamus in
the case of l.. Il. Freeman, tax assessor
of Tarrant County and secretary Of
the Tax Assessors Association OF
Texas against Stats Comptroller s. II.
Terrell, is taking as an indication that
the tax assessors may win their con-
tention that they are entitled to the in'
creased compensation for 1925 under
the act of the Thirty-ninth Legislature
providing for such increased fees. IL. !.
Mandamus is sought to compel the
comptroller to issue warrants to Tax
Assessor Freeman carrying the iiis
creased compensation. Attorney Gem.
eral Moody had ruled that the act did
not apply to property assessed in 1929.
San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1925-12-03
PRE:-GLAC|AL RELICS
FOUND IN MISSOURI

QUINCY, ILL.,, Dec. 3.-R-A
buried city, the site, perhaps, of q
pre-glacial civilization, has been found
in excavations in Pike County, Mo-,
six miles from the Mississippi river
and 30 miles from here.
Beneath II feet of glacial drift a
well defined shaft has been uncovered
leading to a floor, IS feet down. A
wall leads from the foot of the shaft,
crossed by a similar wall, either d.
viding the passage from subterranean
chambers or supporting the roof.
Workers have concentrated efforts
on a point % feet from the foot of the
shaft on the edge of what they believe
is q room.
In it they hope to find gold, pottery
and possibly mummies or skeletons OF
the city's ancient inhabitants.
Search for buried treasure led to
the discovery of the shaft. An expedi-
ton headed and financed by r. ID.
Burchard of st. Louis, Investigating
old Indian legends of buried treasure,
found it. By means of an instrument
similar to the old fashioned divining
rod, Burchard claims to have traced
the walls Of 43 underground rooms and
seven passage ways connecting them.
The shaft was walled with q cement
like material different in color from
the earth within the shaft, no trace of
which was found above the pre-glacial
surface. In the shaft, at intervals of
few feet, were caps or plates like
concrete, extending only to the walls.
Between the caps, the earth had the
appearance of having been tapped with
poles, Burchard said.
At the base of the shaft. a straight
wall of hard rocky substance leads
west for several feet, turning south at
a perfect right angle. Across a three
foot passage way is similar wall.
The floor of the passage is of gravel
bound with a clay filler. The roof
is of rubbery clay in thin strata as if
deposited by water-flow.
San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1925-12-03
CLUB ANAHUAC PLANS
MASQUERADE DANCE

Members Of the Mexican society set
in San Antonio have been invited
to attend a masquerade ball to be
given by the Club Anahuac in the
Knights of Columbus Hall, at p. m.
Friday.
The ball is in honor of the newly
elected board Of directors of the club.
Two prizes will be given those wear
ing the most original costumes. The
De Bona Hawaiian serenaders will
play special numbers between dances.
The reception committee is compos-
ed of: Alfonso +. Cara, Manuel
Flores, Julian Cantu Jr., Salvador
Ferro, Louis Schoeffer, Napoleon de
la Cara, Abel Maldonado. V. Ar
redondo, Jesus Rodriguez, Jose T..
Morelos and Justo Gujardo.
San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1925-12-03
TEXAS ASSOCIATION
IN GOOD SHAPE SAYS
LEAGUE PRESIDENT

PALESTINE, Tex. Dec. 3.-LP)-
I. M. Campbell Jr.. president of tn
Palestine Athletic Association. on his
return from meeting of officers OF
the Texas Association at Mexia, an.
nounced that all clubs in the associa-
ton. including Palestine. Corsicana,
Temple, Terrell. Mexia and Austin
were represented and all gave notice
of their continuing in the league next
season.
Another meeting Of officials will be
held on January 3, when officers OF
the association will be elected. forfeits
posted and rules adopted for future
guidance.
Manager Mcmillan has given notice
that he will not return here next sea-
son and new pilot for the Pals will
have to be chosen.
Last year was Palestine's first ven
ture in league baseball. The season
was considered success and fans are
enthusiastic over prospects for next
San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1925-12-03
Kddiss at Home
Keep Mother
From Jail

Five small children held back
prison bars for = mother Thurs
day.
They're at home with no one
there to take care Of them," the
mother pleaded.
She had been arrested with
three men, one Of whom attempt
ed to draw q pistol on Captain
Moglia, Detectives Stendebacl,
Kohr, and Emergency Officer
Grow. The "gunpIay" was made
when the officers stopped to
question the four i'm an aut0mO-
bile on South Frio street.
Before the officers could reach
the car, one Of the trio broke
three bottles of beer and a pint
Of whiskey.
When the mother offered evi.
dence that she had drunk moth
ing, she was allowed to return
home to her children.
One Of the men was released.
The others were booked for car.
rying a pistol and black jack,
respectively.
San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1925-12-03
JUDGE ORDERS WILL
RENDERED IN COURT

Frederick Terrell was ordered 10
render a will of Sara /. Terrell, dated
March %, 1905, to the clerk of the
Bexar county court. by Judge Aug
ustus McCloskey Thursday, following
a hearing on a petition praying for
such action, filed by Charles Terrell
Bartlett.
n the will cannot be rendered 10
the court clerk. Frederick Terrell
has been ordered to appear in court
on the morning of December 10 TO
show cause why the will had not been
rendered.
San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1925-12-03
FOOTBALL OFFICIALS
HAVE BUSY WEEKEND

San Antonio football officials will
put in a busy weekend as football
comes to a close. "Spitz" Clarke and
A. NJ. Venue will officiate in the
Robstown-B Beaumont game at Robs-
town Friday. and L. s. Wood and
"Ox" Fullingim will work the Rungc-
Beevillc game at Rungc.
Saturday. Clarke, Venue, Wood and
Harold Winters will be officials at the
Houston Central-Houston Heights
game lat Houston; Fullingim, Maxey
Hart and Mule" Frazier will preside
in the Second Division-Trinity game
at Fort Sam Houston, and Jimmy
Roamer. Dick Fisher and Wright Ri
ley will be officials at Schwab Field iE
the game between st. Anthony's Col
lege and Alamo Heights High.