Evening star., 1934-04-01

mere Is RlcndTQ Arlen 5 IeCOIu, nc
never had a controversy with Para
mount during the 10 years he's worked
for it. He has never asked for a raise
in salary. He's had plenty Of boosts,
though. He has so endeared himself
to executives, players and workers
alike that when he recently depart
ed for a vacation in Europe he was
honored with a surprise luncheon
attended by every one on the lot.
Many players who rose to stardom
when Richard Arlen was an extra
are now forgotten names, while
Dicks" studio standing is stronger
than ever. built entirely on talent
and tactics. You know his talent
you who have watched him and pos
sibly are part of his tremendous fan
following. But perhaps you would
like to know something of his tac-
tics. Here is an outline:
BE honest and frank in discussing
problems with studio executives and
never destroy the faith of a director
or executive by breaking faith on
promise. And never let success do
things to your ego"
al lCli says IlC lids ny NdLIll-
ing other players who have allowed
their temperament to interfere with
their progress. Long ago, it seems,
he made up his mind to let nothing
interfere with his climb to the top,
and once there, to maintain it.
Those who work with him say he
frequently declares: 81 can never go
high hat for the simple reason that
I've never forgotten my days as an
extra and the loathing felt for GER
tain film big shots who made them
selves ridiculous by their tempera-
mental didoes or their inflated egos.
If I couldn't enjoy the respect and
friendship of those with whom I work
I wouldn't stay in pictures for mil
lion a year."
Any time Arlen has shown signs
OF temper on the lot, studio workers
tell me, it has been directed at himself
for some stupid slip he made or some
thing that dissatisfied him with his
own work or personal effort.
Whenever this actor has been given
role he didn't like, he has called at
tention of studio officials to the fact
that he considered the role alien and
unsuitable, but he has never refused
to play in it. Each time, in view of
his cooperation, he has subsequently
been given a role which pleased him.
Arlen also feels that being in an oc-
casional bad picture keeps him from
being "typed"-considered in Holly
wood the most fatal thing which can
befall an actor.
Over-anxiety in a player ruins him
far more often than not. The casting
director tells me this is one of Arlen's
oft-expressed theories.
Nobody is allowed more privileges
than Arlen around Paramount. This
is chiefly because he has never failed
to keep his word to the studio. Few
players are permitted to take trips
during the making of a picture. but,
because Arlen always considers him.
self on call, he may go off in his cabin
cruiser during the making of a film
on days when he is not needed.
He has never asked fer special COM
forts or conveniences on location trips.
But. because the working crews
admire him and regard him as reg
ular," they build him special shelter
huts, rig up some kind of heat for
him If it's cold and otherwise provide
him comforts that many players
couldn't get by asking.
Arlen doesn't pay off such friendly
gestures in cash. He pays them in
kind. When he contracted pleurisy
during the making of his last picture,
Come On Marines" workers in the
crew did everything possible to keep
him comfortable and nurse him along.
When the company returned to Holly
wood. Arlen didn't pay the boys off
with a cash tip and word of thanks.
He took four of them. an electrician,
two property men and a bit player,
for a flve-day cruise on his yacht.
fishing with them, having long talks
man-to-man and altogether treating