The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1929-12-07
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: if the test is successful you will be
given an interview with one of ouI
directors. What is the name
please?"
Howell told her and was rewarded
by the information that if he would
wait forty-fve minutes he might
have his test. He would have waited
longer than that.
He was fascinted by the various
signs of studio activity. Men in
sweaters and Knockers, with an in
formal air of authority, staggered
in and out. A boy hurried through
with roll of films.
There were many inquiries for Mr.
Bince, and another director, who
was, it seemed, "over on Stage T."
At first Howell was too interested
in the general atmosphere of the
place to notice the other applicants
but as his eyes grew accustomed to
the darkness he saw that most OF
them wore a pinkish-yellow make
up, evidently liquid, crudely ap-
piled, with dark shadows around
their eyes and heavily beaded eye
! lashes.
once more Howell rose and ap-
preached the girl at the desk.
Il say, I haven't any makeup
Will that be necessary"
She flashed him a glance which
seemed almost Scornful.
You won't need any. The test is
taken to see whether you have
screen intelligence or not. 1t doesn't
matter about the makeup"
He resumed his seat, frankly
studying his companions. There were
two young, rather pretty, girls with
laughing mouths, wise eyes and tall
we'll developed figures.
They powdered creamy noses, red
dened ruby lips and giggled inceS-
sanity. But there was vitality
about them which fascinated How
ell. When they walked across che
room it was as if they were tread
ing on the air. They looked as if life
were one glorious adventure, OF
series of adventures. :.
And when they lifted weighted
eyelaSheS from the cheeks and
smiled Howell felt a response he
had never been abb to give the girls
at school.
THERE was another really nice
Il looking girl, with expensive
clothes and a brand new husband.
They confessed to being honey
mooners" from the east and thought
they would take the test lust for
fun" She added, lone never
knows, of course. They say they're
always looking for certain types
The final, upward Tilt of her voice
led to suppose that in that case they
would both be accepted. There
would be lengthy kilograms. per-
haps a hurried trip east, then Mr..
and Mrs. William Stanton Hender-
son would become permanent resi-
dents of Hollywood.
Howell wished them luck. He
hoped there would be plenty Of op-
portunitieS for every one, although
he couldn't observe much "intelIi-
gence" of any kind displayed in
the remainder of the assortment
waiting. Not flicker of expression
in a single face. Not sign of any
thing but ignorance and dumbness
If these others were typical OF
those who haunted the studios look
ing for work, certainly there was a
chance for Howell. For any one
indeed. with only an average intel
lectual equipment.
He had supposed the tests were
to be made separately. But sudden.
IL the doors into the central room
opened and a director, blonde
boared, and disdainful, cried, Come
in here. All of you, please"
With no attempt at grouping III
asked the girls to sit on the daven'
port with the men standing behinc
them.
This test is taken for the pur.
pose of finding out if you hav,
screen intelligence" he said, weari
". 1T is necessary for you to dC
exactly as I say. Lower your eye
when the lights come on.
When I say the word, look direct.
~ at me, then slowly turn you
heads to the right. eyes over the lef
shoulder. Lightsl Look at me
Camerai Slowly move your heads
eyes to the right. Cut. Same thing
to the left now.
'Lightsl Cameral Cutl Now
look angry. Angry as you possibl,