FILM PRODIGIES

Evening Star, Issue 19127, 19 December 1925, Page 15

FILM PRODIGIES

The advantages of being born an American have never yet been sufficiently recognised. The benefits which the movies have conferred upon humanity are not yet honored as they should be (says the ‘ Daily Telegraph ’). The free independent citizen of America has just been asked in typo which shouts it: “Is your baby worth a million dollars?” There may bo parents who would resent this inquiry from a perfect stranger, but the, newspaper means business, which, frequently at all events, covers a multitude of sins. “Another Jackie Coogan or Baby Peggy needed at once,” the excited parents are informed; “it may bo yonr child.” What prouder honor has this world to offer to man or woman than an equal share in producing. such a child as Jackie Coogan? Wo can well imagine humble-minded folk saying that there cannot bo Another; the thing cannot be done

aetnu. Rot that is Tint the point nf view of llio newspaper, which is quite clour and positive about it ! “ Tho now child movie star will ho found,” and found among the families ni its readers. “Tho now child movie star,” it declares. and wo make no apology lor the repetition which is necessary to maintain the right liectie atmosphere, “may be your own boy or girl. Within a few weeks your own child may be on tho way to California to start its motion picture career.” We cannot think that is quite nicely put. Many parents may feel that an instant journey to California, or even farther, would" he just the thing for their boys and girls, but they will hardly like it put to them by an outsider. A child on tho lilm, it appears, must not be under two or over seven, but there are no other restrictions. Race, religion, or parentage have po bearing on your child’s chances of winning. These have, in fact, nothing to do with his parents. The infant is wholly responsible. “ Beauty alone will

not win.” This, from our own observation, we hud long suspected. “ Tho million dollar baby must possess talent and personality,” and he must also “ bo an amateur, without previous screen or stage experience,’’ which ought not to be difficult for him at two. The happy child who is chosen will have l,ooodol down, an engagement at 200dol a week, and an option for a two years’ contract at a minimum of IO.OOOdoI the first ami Id.OOOdol the second year. Tims it is to bo a child movie star, even before your name, like Jackie Coogan’s or Baby Peggy’s, is a hptu**. hold word from China to Peak