Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Sunday Oregonian. (Portland, Ore.) 1881-current | View Entire Issue (March 21, 1920)
1 THE SUNDAY 0REG0XIAX, rORTXAXP, MAT?CTT 21, 1920 j .i j. :3 BUFFALO BILL IS DEAD, BUT, BILL HART ISNT Not Even in Palmiest Days Did Plainsman Have More Followers Than Noted Actor, Says Ray V. Frohman. .. - i a ; - . ii . . a I -1 v- hirAA WniidiTiS.JIajrt B BY RAT W. FROHSIAN. (Copyrighl by Evening Herald Pubiisbins C ompany.) UFFALO BILL, is dead. But Bill Hart still remains. And not even in his palmiest daj-s the days of his plainsmanship or the days of his showmanship did the famous former have an audience so great or a following so enthusiastic as the famous latter. If I expected to get a bullet through I'o'h ears and be snaked off my feet by a well-thrown lasso, I was disap pointed. For William S. Hart did none of these things when he greeted me. He Just looked kind of "sad but de termined," as though he were accused of being a stage-robber and didn't dare to defend himself. Bill Hart's expression in real life Is very much the same as it is vlieu you see him on the screen. Plain Hill Hart. He Is just Bill Hart. What more is there to be said about it? Of course there is much more to be said about Kill, but about his appearance and his expression just not another word. And I'll say he's pleasant. Why, he didn't even knock me out and put his toot on my chest before inquiring my business! We have all seen in the films a rugged, gaunt individual with a face like a mule's, so "hard-boiled" of mien as to be almost beautiful: and we have seen this knight of the plains do goodly deeds until that face, re flecting his homely, heroic virtues, has registered kindliness, even ten derness. He isn't always a cowpuncher with a. barking "gat" in each fist. Sometimes he's a lumberjack. sometimes he a a convict, sometimes a sea captain, or a frontier preacher; but usually he s an outdoor man, and always he's a HE-man, just as Gala had was a HE-man, virile and admir able. Homrly, Heroic Virtues I found out lately why those home ly, heroic virtues o'erspread the face of the man who fittingly bears such sobriquets as "Blue Blazes Rawden," "The Tiger Man," "Two-Gun Hicks" and "Shark Monroe." It's because his intimate personal history and his biography are as full of humble incidents and homely les rons as Benjamin Franklin's, and thrice as thrilling shows that he himself has those simple virtues. When you hear "Bill" Hart relate unassumingly his experiences and beliefs, it's easy to understand how he "got started" and never stopped. This rough-and-ready terror of bad men" I discovered in a regular civilized office at his studio in Holly wood, ready to pack up for going out "on location" in the Mojave desert for 10 days. He was wearing "store clothes" a clean white shirt, neat gray pants, plain black shoes. The son of a gun, to use the language o( Panamint and Lost Hope. Ariz., was actually riding a swivel chair.' Not Wild or Woolly. Unless you consider the lack of a coat and collar the mark of a plains man, there was nothing of the wild and woolly about this quiet, polite gentleman with the light brown hair, determined frown, light blue eyes, high check " bone, firm lips with thoughtful lines about them, and strong Jaw. Kxcept that he averaged one "damn" and one "hell" to the minirte he might have been his own gentle pinto pony with the feed bag on. You've got to go back into his his tory a bit to understand "how Bill Hart did it"; how this raw youth of IS. who had lived in Dakota territory until he was 15, playing, riding bare back and shooting with Sioux Indian kids, got his first stage job as a "super" at Drury Lane theater in London and a few weeks later lied his way to New York into his first part, in a road show; and how he first starred on the road in 1902 as John Storm In "The Christian." ' And then you'll want to know how in 1913. with an established reputa tion in Shakespearean and classic dramas and' later in western roles, he refused an offer to be featured in a Bradway production in 1914 to star, at Irs than one-fourth the salary, in his first picture with Triangle, "The Bar gain" until today, instead of being a star and leading man at three or four hundred a week facing an average audience of 800, he stars before from eight to ten million people a day in about 60 pictures being shown all over the world, with he won't tell how much salary, "because 1 don't wish to bunk the public, and what's the dif ference?" Sa-ra He "Inhrrltrd It." "I inherited what title stage ability I have," said Mister Hart. And if you'd talked to him you'd call him "Mister." too. ."Hj grandfather un my faihei'c eide' was one of the greatest criminal law yers In England, John Gleason Hart My father, Nicholas Hart, an Oxford man, who came to Newburgh, N. Y. where I was born, when he was i young man, after going around the world before the mast, was a wonder ful orator. "That's the best talent in the world to Inherit for the state. A great orator is necessarily a great actor. In his speech, his gesticulation, his graceful postures in delivery, you have the elements of acting. "From the time I was six months old till I was 15 we lived in Dakota territory. I was playing with Sioujr kids at their typical sports while other boys of my age back in New York were playing baseball and foot ball. I knew and loved there, as a boy, the western characters I played on the stage after playing Cash Haw kins in "The Squaw Man" with Fa versham in New York in 1905. Eight Milra to .School. "I'd ridden eight miles on a pony to a little Dakota scnooi witn live pu pils, but I'd had little formal educa tion "when my parents took, me to New York at 15. At public school they thought me stubborn and I can hardly blame 'em and had my father before the board of education to ex plain. "I had Indian habits. I wouldn't say 'Good morning." If they'd talk to me, I'd turn and walk away, as an Indian does. An Indian doesn't say 'Goodby' or 'Go to hell,' or anything. I was stoical. "My father, who was a highly edu cated man, decided I'd better be tu tored at home. I was a big strapping kid, anyhow, among a lot of children. For a year and a half he 'crammed' me, and I passed the scholastic ex amination for West Point. You needed 70 to pass and I got 70.20. "He ground it in, but I was always great on application anything I went after I stayed with till I got. "I was crazy to go to West Point so I could get back west as an officer. I'd always lived near forts, and was familiar with soldier life. But my father couldn't get me an appoint ment, and I was brokenhearted. "I'll tell you a dramatic incident that changed my whole life just then I've never told this to anyone, I think," continued Mr. Hart, his voice sinking to a Whisper. "There was a wonderful bond of affection between me and my father. I made up my mind to run away from home. I went down to the east river and made arrangements with a cap tain to let me work my way to Aus tralia. The boat was to sail at 5; I was to go on board at 4. I made It all right, crawling past my parents' door with my belongings in a bundle over my shoulder, but just as I closed the house door I felt a hand on the other side of the knob. "It was my father, in his night gown. He questioned me, and I told him the boat would reach Melbourne in six months 'All right, laddie I'll meet you there,' he said and he'd a been there, too. I went back to bed!" Then young Hart, who had been spending his spare quarters as a gal lery god in New York, told his father of his ambition to become an actor. His dad explained that acting was an art which called for culture and rennement and tor which a raw prairie boy wasn't fitted; but that it he was determined, he. should at least "break in" in Europe, seeing the best development of centuries and getting the rough edges off him. He espe cially advised him to learn fencing. But the eldor Hart wasn't able t send him abroad, being just about to take his family to plunge in a faf northwestern venture. So "Bill' worked his way on a cattle boat, re ceived $4.85 at the end ofthe trip, walked 208 miles from Liverpool ta London, and worked there till h saved up enough to take him to Paris. Noting the "Ici on parle Anglais" sign in a store. Bill submitted a little Idea of his own delivering parcels to people who spoke English and de livered for four or five firms. His room cost him five francs a week. Mornings he washed windows and scrubbed floors at a fencing master's, to receive "wonderful" lessons after hours from an assistant whom Bill, who was always "handy with his hands," taught American boxing. Every night he went to the theater. In 14 weeks Bill went back to Lon don and, being 18, tall and well made, without trouble got his job carrying a spear. In four or five weeks he went back to Liverpool paying his fare this time and was given free passage home on a cattle boat. . He Ilnrl White Lie. 1 knew I had to lie and I did," Mr. Hart explained regarding his landing his first part in New York. 'It 'was a white lie. I told 'em I'd played in London. I knew only how to put paint on. "I got a pob at 12 a week with Daniel E. Bandmann, on the road in repertoire, including Shakespeare and such plays as "Dr. Jekyil and Mr. Hyde," and In eight months I played 52 parts juveniles, heavies, bits, old men, boys, everything. How did I work up from that to become a star? The same way as others. It takes many years service, and I suppose there must have been some ability behind it. It's ten thou sand times harder to succeed on the stage, in my opinion. A picture star can be made almost overnight." After that first tour. Hart served his apprenticeship with Madame Mojeska, Julia Arthur and Madame Khea, playing diversified roles, leads and heavies, in Shakespearean and classic dramas. Following his being starred in "The Christian," Hart was the original Messala in "Ben Hur." After his hit as "The Virginian" in 1908-9 he played principally western roles. Hard Work Doen It. "You've got to keep attracting more attention." Hart continued in ex plaining his rise to stardom, "gradu ally getting better parts and better salary, always working hard and making good. Did I have to 'club' 'em into making me a star? If they want you. they want you, and you have mighty little to say about it; if they select you, you can go down on your knees and thank God they found you that's been my experi ence." j Walking down Euclid avenue in Cleveland, where he was playing in "The Trail of the Lonesome Pine." one cold winter night in 1913, Hart blew into a cinema house to keep warm. It was the first picture he ever saw. He was thrilled, and ob sessed with the idea that his oppor tunity lay on the screen. Here He Comen. Rejecting the offer to be featured on Broadway, he paid his own fare to California, and In 1914 began as the "star" at only $75 a week in his first Triangle picture, "The Bargain," with scenes in the Grand Canyon. He has been starring in movies ever since. In 1917 began the William S. Hart Productions, Inc., for the Famous riayers-Lasky corporation, including the latest release, "John Petticoats," in which, as a Washington lumber- Jack, Hart inherits a modiste's shop in New Orleans, where scenes were taken. He is now working on the first of nine special productions he is to produce himself, as his own boss and without limit on time or footage. And that's "how" the pleasant gen tleman in the swivel chair who could have shot the whiskers off my eye ball without touching the lid "did it." various forms is Berved and at which Ike cannot forget the main issue ad vertising the article. There is many an argument between the old repro bates concerning the rules of eti quette and social manners, but it is difficult to figure which has the best of it, although it makes rare good laughing material for the audience. Several late song and chorus hits will be introduced by Dot Raymond, Billie Bingham, Charlton Chase, Clar ence Wurdig and the other clever principals, assisted by the Rosebud girls, such as "Cinda Lou," "AH" the Boys Love Mary," "Oh, Mother, I'm Wild," etc. Matinee every day. Coun try store Tuesday night and chorus girls' contest Friday. CANDIDATE FOR . CONGRESS ADOPTS SLOGAN". "Legislation in Interests or All the People and Development of Ore gon" Pledge of O. F. Jones. BAKER, Or., March 20. (Special.) Rev. Owen F. Jones, rector of the St. Stephens Episcopal church of Baker, has prepared his nomination petition on the republican ticket as candidate for the office of United States representative from the second congressional district of the state of Oregon. The general belief in eastern Oregon is that the reverend gentle man will give N. B. Sinnott, republi can, present incumbent, a hot race to the Washington office. Jones' pe tition should reach the secretary of state today or tomorrow. The campaign slogan adopted by Rev. Mr. Jones, embodied in his pe tition, is: 'Leghilation in the interests of all the people, and the development of Oregon's natural resources." In his petition he makes the follow ing statement of policy: "If I am nominated and elected, I will during my term of office, advo cate legislation in the interests of all the people, with due regard to the equal rights of capital, labor and the general public, and will give every encouragement for the development of the natural resources of the state of Oregon, to the end that they may be' enjoyed by the greatest number. My earnest effort will be devoted to the end that Oregon may receive its just proportion for its own improve ment of the funds derived by the government from Oregon's resources. NEWS OF THE THEATERS (Continued From Page 2.) starting this afternoon, with Dillon and Franks as Mike and Ike. who ar rive in gay Paree as a couple of wealthy American merchants. Ike discovered a recipe for making a brand of mustard and between them they made a huge fortune out of it and are now combining business with pleasure. Being of vast Importance in their own eyes, they manage to create the same impression in Paris, and special arrangements have been made for their reception and entertainment, all of which contribute to the fun and merriment of the piece. Among other HELP YOUR DIGESTION When acid-distressed, relieve the indigestion with KFFfOIDS Dissolve easily on tongue as pleasant to take as candy. Keep your stomach sweet, try Ki-moids. MADE BY SCOTT & BOWNE MAKERS OF SCOTT'S EMULSION Beautify tu Complexion IN TEN DAYS Nadinola CREAM The Uaequled BeaatiEet By Thousand Guaranteed to remove tan, freckles, pimples, liver-spots, etc. Ex treme cases 20 days. Rids pores and tissues of impurities. Leaves the skin clear, soft, healthy. t leading toilet counters. If they haven't it, by mail, two sizes, 60c. and $1.20. events is the grand banquet at which, NATIONAL TOILET CO.. Pari. Tmm. of course, the famous mustard in ' "California Syrup of Figs" For a Child's Liver and Bowels Mother! Say "California," then you will get genuine "California Syrup of Figs." . Full directions for babies and children of all ages who are constipated, bilious, feverish, tongue coated, or full of cold, are plainly printed on the bottle. Children love this delicious laxative. FOR LIVER AMD BOWELS s. wman c "Merchandise of 3fifl CO YVOllC J Merit Ony Miss Stoddard, in charge of our Bureau of Interior Decorating, will give ou expert advice and assist' ance on all your decorating prob lems, whether they be confined to the refurnishing of one room or your whole house. They Never Shake you up I So CooYcntefit! orCohfc Constipation Biliousness Sick Headache Acid Stomach Men 's and Boys9 Week A Great Seven-Day Economy Occasion ; i Tomorrow's Feature: 2000 Boys' Wash Suits Every Suit Perfect and a 1920 Model THE STYLES Norfolks, Billy Boy, Junior Norfolks, Oliver Twist, Middy Twist and Regula tion Middies. THE FABRICS Palmer Linen, Repps, Gal atea, Percale, Devonshire and Woven Madras. Complete Lines and Sizes, 2 to 10 Less Than Present Wholesale Price S pecial for Boys' Week Only The Greatest Special Value We Have Ever Offered THE PATTERNS Smart Stripes, Checks, Plain Colors and Clever Com binations. Sale on Fifth Floor and Bargain Square, Street Floor. A Sale of Used Phonographs These ma chines are all in good con dition and by purchasing at these sale prices a big saving is assured. Horn Machine, Golden Oak finish, standard make..S 7.50 Columbia Machine, Golden Oak finish 13.00 Columbia Cabinet, Mahog any (used three months) 100.00 Columbia Table Machine, Mahogany 100.00 Large Cabinet Machine. Mahogany, standard make 200.00 Edison Diamond-Disc, Ma hogany finish, as good as new, with 15 records 175.00 Large Cabinet Mandel. In fine condition 110.00 Mozart Cabinet, Mahogany finish 75.00 Stradivara, Fumed Oak finish, slightly used 125.00 Wlddicomb, Fumed Oak finish, good condition... 150.00 Widdicomb. Table style. Art model 50.00 Pathe. Mahogany finish, used two months 125.00 Columbia, Walnut finish, used two months 135.00 Columbia, Fumed Oak fin ish, used three months.. 125.00 Easy Terms No Interest Charged Seventh Floor. Lipman. Wolfe & Co. March Sale of t?lirrc onrl vui ia.ui: IT IS DEFlMiTE and certain that the price of rugs and curtains is advancing. It is, there fore equally definite and certain that those who buy in this long-planned March event are effecting substantial savings of from 10 to 20 per cent on the KNOWN prices for later. BUY NOW AND SAVE! New Wilton Rugs at Last Seasons Prices Every wanted size in beautiful oriental and conventional design Wiltons whose exquisite blending of color tones recommends them to room distinction. 27x54 inch. $12.50 36x63 inch, $18.50 36x63 inch, $27.50 9x12 feet. $139.75 9x12 feet. $149.75 4:6x7:6. - $37.50 8:3x10:6. $137.50 6x9 feet . . . $65.00 9x 1 2 feet . . $97.50 8:3x10:6. .$95.00 9x12 feet. $105.00 Plain Center Chenille Rugs With Two'Tone Borders THESE FINE CHENILLE RUGS, luxuriously deep-piled and richlv dyed in wondrous shades of dull blue, rose, brown, mulberry and taupe, are ideal for rooms where the effect of spaciousness is desired, for their plain centers and two-tone borders lend an effect of added space. Size 8:3x10:6. $142.50; size 9x12 feet. $149.75. New Curtains Advantageously Priced A Household Efficiency Expert stated recently in an article on present conditions as ap plied to the home that the wise housewife is the one who, sensing the scarcity of drapery fabrics and the resultant higher prices, will supply all her needs for now and later while there is yet time to take advantage of moderate prices. Our advice to you is that you take heed and make YOUR selections from the complete stocks and at sale prices obtainable in this great MARCH SALE OF CURTAINS. Filet Net Cuttains Special rfj AC. the Pair 9-'- 2 Vi yards long. A spe cial lot of plain and figured filet net curtains made with neat lace edges. Figured Marquisette Curtains Special A QC the Pair 'P"-' Another lot of curtains specially purchased and specially marked for this great sale; 2 J4 yards long and finished with attractive lace edges. Fifth Floor Lipman, Wolfe & Co. Fine Scrim Curtains Special $5 QC the Pair 'OJ Firmly made and fin ished with hand-drawn hemstitchery and filet block patterns; 2 yards long. Wilson Electric Sewing Machines Turn Your Old Machine in on an Electrically Operated Machine PILES of spring sewing dis appear as if by magic with a Wilson Klectric; hems and seams and tucks are accomplished in a twin kling. The outstanding point of superiority of the Wilson Klec tric Rotary Sewing Machine ia. of course, its efficient little motor that relieves the sewer of the actual work of sewing: she merely guides the sewing under the needle and the motor does the rest; but, aside from the fact that it is electrically operated, the Wilson possesses to a marked degree every exclusive point of efficiency that characterizes the BEST of foot-power machines. You may buy a Wilson on convenient terms and turn your old machine in . at a liberal allowance. Seventh Floor. Lipman, Wolfe & Co. i : "- 1 20-MuIe-Team Borax Soap Monday Only Bars $ 1 Delivered only with other goods. Household Efficiency Section. Eighth Floor, Lipman, Wolfe. & Co. Hall-Borchert Dress Forms Underpriced At $11.50 to $19.50 1920 Spring Models at Less Than 1919 Prices and on Easy Terms! ALL THE BEST MAKES of dress forms, including Hall-Borchert, have advanced in price. This sale is your sole opportunity to save so extremely on high grade dress forms, adjustable to any size or figure. Profit now, right when you need a dress form for spring sewing. 12-section Dress Forms, special $11.50 12-section Forms, with pedal, $12.50 I 7-section Dress Forms, special $14.50 24-section Dress Forms, special $18.50 28-section Dress Forms, special $19.50 Seventh Floor Lipman, Wolfe Sr Co. The Eden Electric Washer Launders Everything from the heaviest blanket to the most delicate bit of silk or lace by I rlinninv trim lin anrl rlnurn trirnncrri Vint siiric witfifiur wr ap tfar or rubbing or scrubbing. Its safety, interlocking swinging wringer is electrically operated. It swings conveniently into five different locked positions. Try the Eden in Your Own Home without obligation or expense. It makes clothes last five or tlx times as long because it washes them without rubbing. It will save . you time, trouble, money and hard work, as it has in so many other homes for, so many years. Sold Here on Easy Terms Seventh Floor Lipman. Wolfe 6r Co.
