Looking at Hollywood

—Heppa Hodder

Next Week at This Theatre this Stupendous Production—

Starring Ray Milland and a Cast of Hundreds (At Least)—

In the midst of such grave social questions as anti-vivisection, temperance and the New Look (to be or not to be) may I raise my voice in protest ... a plea for sanity. May I protest against the most horrifying product of our age—the film trailer.

These shorter shorts are placed just where the dope is most easily injected. Usually they come just after an almost silent travelogue like "The River Leet," a short, full of placid streams and very quiet backwaters. Sometimes they are in contrast to one of those hideously violent cartoons which leave one gasping for breath.

The technique in each case is very different. The first depends on a slow approach through the Gates of the Film Company concerned; into either the inner office of the director or on to a "set." Here we see a canvas chair which contains, according to its label, either Ray Milland or some director like George Cukor. After a "we asked Ray his opinion" introduction, Ray turns round and assures us in his best and sincerest voice that this coming production is really movie history. This is followed with a Few scenes from the picture and stop.

The next type, which is usually a combination of subtle creeping and refined bludegeoning, consists in parading the achievements of some director like De Mille. "In the last few years You have seen . . ." "Love on Social Security"—close up of book jacket—"Love in a Mist" ditto) and this is a slow build up to "And now he brings you in all its romantic beauty ..."—yause—burst of music. "No Time for Love" the Huge Picture of the Book, Starring—." From then on its all in. The music and stars are burst upon you. (It's those old pictures that get you. You sucker you!)

The last type is as common as well there's plenty. No holds barred. The object is to beat the patron into submission.

"Smashing Drama ! ! !
Blazing Romance !!!!!!

Thousands have seen this Epic.

One is flung from love to hate through gun battles and explosions. It runs you ragged. If this is inflicted after that quiet little short, the mind is almost dead for a week. Here is the gangster, the cowboy, the "blood and thunder," the zombie, and sightly improper love story, all seeking a build-up. Its stupendous—and sickening.

"Read this column next issue for further dramatic developments! See the Burning Oil surround the perpetrators, and the tremendous duel on the brink of the snake pit!!!

Produced and Directed by Watta Lot of Huma . . Directed By G. Horsipoff. Starring Edward H. Higgins

Bot and a cast of thousands!

At this theatre next week . . . Book or be sorry.

[Salient "came by" this article and we trust that the author does not mind our printing it.—Ed.]