FICKLE FLAPPERDOM.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17182, 27 October 1923, Page 1 (Supplement)

FICKLE FLAPPERDOM.

WHOM WILT. YOTT CRY OVERNEXT? Fans are fickTe creatures (says an American paper). Like butterflies flying from one beautiful flower to another, so do picture lans apply their favours. Years ago when movies wore struggling in the throes of their infancy the great honour of public esteem fell upon the shoulders ol the first star, Maurice Costello. Maurice, with his classic features, his restraint in acting, and bis effective manner of love-making caused him to become the favourite of flapperdom. But, with the advent of handsome Francis X. Bushman, the fans forgot Maurice and transferred their affections to the new idol. Francis X. received more correspondence from lovesick flappers than any other motion picture star. He certainly i.s a handsome, athletic man. But even his vogue did not last. Probably the circumstances ‘ surrounding his divorce and marriage to Beverley Ba\ ne had a lot to do with his decline, still, had not all these filings happened, he would have been-cast aside for a new idol. He was followed 1> V Harold Lockwood, whose untimely death during-the ’flu epidemic cut short a 'promising career. Then, in quick succession, the movie fan found interest in Wallace Reid, Conway Tearlo, Eugene O'Brien. Thomas Meighan, Bill Hart and

countless other personalities until a year ago Rudolph swept, the whole world of feminity into his arms by hi* famous characterisation of the Sheik. Hearts that had never known lov* went out, to this strong personality, this dominating “You’ve got to love me” spirit. Yet, strange to say, flapperdom. though it still nurses a secret regard for Rudolph, is even now seeking to find a successor. The movie fan is fickle, and to most actors this fact is a blessing. A nuraiior of them possessing good looks, and nothing else, welcome the lovesick <<reature who puts her praise on paper. Sufficient of these epistle* mean stardom and a princely salary. Meanwhile, after Rudolph, who will bo next. And After him. what then?