THE LURE OF THE KINEMA

Evening Star, Issue 17923, 20 March 1922, Page 6

THE LURE OF THE KINEMA

GIRL LEFT DESTITUTE. I Sta.rtlinjT alienations of fraud in connection with a lei noma, school wens inveo iigated at Marlborough street, London, ori December ?A. The prisoners—William Weklin;; (a god twenty-four, film insfcructar) and Marion Jessie Quijdey (twcaityfour, proprietress of a kinermi .school at Batterßoa)—wc.ri» charged with obtaining various fums from d'ivor.s penwons, including £226 from Giacomo Du.ll Osto, decorative artist, 1/on.rion. Mr Hollowa? Pike, prosecuting, gave detail!* of alleged extraordinary prospects held out to the "victims" at this Aeademy of Acting and Dancing. "Thoy tell these unfortunate victims," lie stated, " that their {salaries would he £25 or £47 a week, ami in one case £226 was obtained fironi a fa-thiir in respect to his two daughters. 'l v iio pupiiti wo told e.t tbn academy that film producers would bo thore.; but," alleged Mr Pike, " prir;oi]«ra wore fictitious producers." In ano oaea sijmothinjr like £76 was sccwed torn a sjiri who caivo fTom kScotoand—her ovovry penny —.and eventually who was willing about tin* jitiv'.ots .practically destitute. Pupils were put off from time to time with the explanation that " such smd such a production" was postponed. Pupils wero also told that if they took lessons there would be a.n opportunity for " coming out" in ft play—'An Egyptian Princess' or 'An Indian Princess.' Both prisoners were remanded on bail.