IN THE "MOVIES.”

Taranaki Daily News, 23 August 1921, Page 3

IN THE "MOVIES.”

MISS ISOBEL WILFORD RETURNS. LIFE IN THE STUDIOS OF LOS ANGELES. “I love it because it is so extremely interesting and fascinating; it ia a world all on its own; and the more 1 see of it the more 1 like it.” These were the words in which Miss Isobel Wilford, daughter of Mr. T. Al. Walford, Leader of the Opposition, on 'Fuesday summed up her impressions of life" as a film actress. Miss Wilford some years ago showed such excellent promise on the Wellington amateur stage, and was so keenly enthusiastic in her work before the footlights, that she decided, with the consent of her parents, to try her fortune on the “movie” stage in the United States of America. Accordingly she set out with a happy heart some eighteen months ago for the home of motion picture productions—Los Angeles—where, in the space of a few months, by dint of persevering work, and by a charming personality, she has firmly established herself.as a lead player for one of the most famous film corporations in the She arrived from San FYaneisco by the R.M.S. Mara ma yesterday, and in a brief interview with a Times reporter told of , her adventures and progress in the “movie” world. KEEN COMPETITION.

Arriving at the scene of her new endeavors, Miss Wilford found chat she had to face much greater odds than she had anticipated on account of the competition that is always going on in the film, town—the great battle amongst struggling film artists for positions of importance. For some months she was ‘•in the swim” with the great majority as a member of the “chorus,” during which she put in some very hard work improving her acting and preparing for the parts she felt sure she would be capable of playing once she had laid the foundations of her art.

“I didn't get on very well at first,” she confessed. “I found it was a matter of real hard work all the time. It is a good thing to have to spend nearly all one’s time at the studio, however, for there is nothing that teaches one the fine points of the profession so quickly and surely. I soon found that there is more competition on the motion picture , stage than there is on the legitimate stage, and I must say there is a greater fascination about the life. I was on the stage for a month first of all, and then for six months, which were the most strenuous of the period I put in over there. I was an extra girl. For a time, too, I was what is called a ‘free lance,’ appearing for various rompanies in turn. The first picture I appeared in was a wild wbst drama produced by the Universal Company, and since then I played in dozens of other pictures. I have never appeared in comedy yet; it has always been drama, for which I have a much greater fancy. Probably the biggest picture I have taJcen part in a* lead was one for the Famous Players Corporation, under the direction of William Demille, of whom you must have heard. J.utterly I was with the Universal, and I was to have played a lead in an all-star cast picture just as I was about to leave to come out here, but I decided to return to New Zealand for a time with my mother and father and enjoy a short rest.” OVERCROWDED PROFESSION. “What is your advice to those young people out here who are anxious to enter the motion picture profession?” Miss Wilford was asked. ‘•Well, I should say decidedly ‘No/’’ she replied with emphasis. “The studios in Los Angeles are already overcrowded, and the corporations have hundreds and hundreds to choose from. On one occasion 1 was selected to play a ‘double’ on account of another lead being unable to appear. There were no less than 300 to choose from. Then again, it does not follow that because a girl is attractive or beautiful that she will make a success, or be singled out for prominence. J have seen some girls of fairly ordinary appearance who have photo*- , graphed beautifully for the pictures, whereas others possessing better looks have not been nearly so successful. No, I would not advise anyone just now to try their luck. I really couldn’t. It. has always been hard to get on over there, but the increasing competition makes it more and more difficult; people, are coming from all over the world. A BAD SLUMP. Some weeks ago, Mi«s Wilford remarked. a bad slump set in in picture production in California on account of a strike, presumably for higher wages, by the studio employees. Almost all the' electricians, carpenters, and general stage hand- - left their work, and as far as she wa>« \«are no relief had yet been afforded to the situation. The" Universal studios had been compelled to close down as well as other large companies. Money as very tight and conditions generally av« > not encouraging.

Miss Wilford is not sure how long she will remain in New Zealand, but she is •fully decided that she will return before very long io continue the professional work - in which she has made such a brilliant opening.