A Showman Speaking His Mind

"Our Dick" Gets Spanked

Back in fast and loose days of silent showmanship (in this instance, 1923), exhibs could put on their instructor hat and cite rules to both patronage and stars. Local ads gave stern reproof to either that stepped out of line, this a by-product of friend and neighbor status management had in days when a Bijou was second home to thrice (at least) per week attendees. A showman sensing dissatisfaction among his flock would not hesitate going public with it. Here it's Richard Barthelmess who's up for a dressing-down, dress being the very issue at hand. Dick had lately gone a frilly-sleeve route, and Apollo manager James Zanias wasn't having any: Many of you have seen Richard Barthelmess in some of his past attractions and doubtless you have been more or less disappointed as I have been. Zanias was right to extent that Barthelmess was lately laced and recklessly poofy in pics like The Bright Shawl and The Fighting Blade, his character in the latter named "Karl Van Kerstenbrook."

Nix on Period Finery, Dick. We Want You
 in Virile, Modern Mode

The solution? A youthful romance with "our Dick" in a modern Prince Charming role like the one he'll play in the Apollo's forthcoming (for four days!) 21. Costume roles "of the fanciful type" were the bunk. Zanias suggests that Barthelmess himself has marched producers to the wood shed and read them riot acts. Adorable details of his acting personality would be given ample chance for expression now. Was Barthelmess made aware of the Apollo's revolt? It wasn't unknown for biggest stars to follow trade mags and respond personally to aggrieved exhibitors. Sometimes a soothing telegram would mend wounds inflicted by wrong vehicles. In this case, Dick may have assured James Zanias and Apollo patronage that he was indeed washed up with frou-frou. Worth noting is fact that Barthelmess stuck with modern parts almost exclusive from 21 onward, proof again that stars who'd sustain really listened to their public (Query to archivists: Is 21 a currently missing film? I'd sure like to see it)